Some good news for this race. Despite Lil' Duncan's attempts to duck out of debating Mike, he's now been shamed into three on-air debates! This is great news, as Lil' Duncan was previously attempting to use his father's campaign strategy of ignoring his opponent (Which was quite effective.) Now the people of the 52nd district will get the opportunity to hear from both, and make a more informed decision. I'm definitely looking forward to attending at least one of these. Hopefully more.
The first debate will be held at Cuyamaca College on the 22nd, in the Communication Arts Auditorium. The second debate will be held at Grossmont College on the 28th, but where on the campus hasn't been released yet.
Next in news for this race, CNN coverage! (YouTube link, embedding doesn't seem to work right now.)
There was also a mention of the race in Capitol Weekly, and it's always nice to get more national media attention, big or small.
The 52nd C.D. in San Diego also is hotly contested. There, Duncan D. Hunter, the son of Republican incumbent Duncan Hunter, confronts a strong challenge from Mike Lumpkin, a former Navy SEAL commander—a powerful credential in an area with deep Navy roots. Hunter, also has military credentials: He is a captain in the Marine Corps reserve. Another San Diego-area district may also be in play: the 50th C.D. where incumbent Brian Bilbray won the seat in a complex electoral dance following the forced departure of Randy “Duke” Cunningham in a corruption scandal.
In more national coverage, Esquire magazine takes a look at the race, in particular, the questionable ethics of the Hunter clan, and in the end, endorses Mike Lumpkin.
From the article:
Retiring representative Duncan L. Hunter would like to bequeath his seat to his son. Perhaps because, as Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington suggested in naming Pops to its Most Corrupt list last year, he’s got a pile of shady dealings he’d like to keep in the family? Esquire endorses: Lumpkin.
Let's hope the voters of this district agree.
And more coverage of the ethics problem of Daddy Duncan and Junior can be found in the Moonie Times of all places, as well as The San Diego Union Tribune. To briefly summarize, a lot of defense contractors who received earmarks from daddy, are giving big bucks to Junior, in excess of $128,000. A detailed look at this can be found here. (pdf file).
Do we really want this seat going to spawn of Duncan Hunter, establishing a dynasty of corruption and right wing crazy?
Visit Mike's website, or his ActBlue page.