The San Diego County Assessor’s race may not have the pure wallop as the already buzzing contest for Sheriff. Yet, the winner in both campaigns next year will be among the few locally elected officials that represent the entire County of San Diego (along with the DA and Treasurer/Tax Collector).
Even the County Supervisors each have “only” one-fifth of the area’s land mass. Yet to win a Supe race in an open seat situation would take several thousands of dollars (hundreds of thousands, in most cases).
Woe, the poor little-known Assessor/Recorder/Clerk, who must run in an area five times the size of a Supervisor’s district. No one knows who you are or what you do (unless you’re former officeholder Greg Smith, whose name might get some recognition, even after retiring about a year ago). You can’t possibly walk even targeted precincts very effectively, not countywide. And, how can a mail campaign mean much when you’re lucky to raise 100 bucks? Ok…kidding about the last part, but truly, this race does not bode well for a candidate trying to sell donors in the pizzazz or “sexy” department. Here’s a hint as to the office’s responsibility.
That primer out of the way, the Assessor’s race is now looking to be heating up a tad. Luke warm, at least. As Jim Sills broke on SD Rostra Friday, former State Board of Equalization Member and Republican Ernie Dronenburg filed his candidate intention form, resulting in a small debate over the weekend as to whether he should be annointed the frontrunner or not (check out the comments).
Then, at tonight’s Republican Party meeting, Jeff Olson, the number two guy in the Assessor’s office, nabbed the County GOP endorsement (you read it here first).
So, two Republicans apparently now in the field, with one nailing down early Republican support. The appointed incumbent, Democrat David Butler? He’s filed his intention form as well, but has made no announcements.
As they say, developing.