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2nd Democrat enters 50th District race
By: WILLIAM FINN BENNETT - Staff Writer | ∞
For the last several months, congressional hopeful Francine Busby could savor the fact that she was the only Democrat in the 50th Congressional District race to replace Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who resigned from office after pleading guilty to taking bribes.
The Cardiff school board member faced a crowded and growing field of Republican aspirants for the House seat. The district covers most of North County, and political analysts said the inevitable split vote for Republicans favored the lone Democrat.
All of that changed this week when Oceanside resident Chris Young, 41, announced that she will run as a Democrat.
A former bank officer, Young is a college graduate who is about to complete her law degree. She said Friday that she believes the administrative and financial expertise she acquired in the banking industry would serve her well if elected to Congress.
Unlike Busby, Young has never held an elected position.
However, "holding a political office does not necessarily make you a qualified Washington lawmaker," Young said.
Some local Democrats, who were counting on Busby being the lone Democrat, are not happy with Young's decision, North County Democratic activist Matt O'Connor said Friday.
"One candidate is the best option for the Democratic Party," said O'Connor, who serves as communications director for the North County Unity Coalition, a Democratic political action group.
"It's already too late for Republicans, but Democrats (had) a chance to have a single candidate on the ballot," he said, adding that the prospect of a split Democratic vote is a "real concern."
A special election will be held April 11 to pick a replacement to serve the remainder of Cunningham's term, which runs through 2006. If a single candidate wins a simple majority, he or she will not only serve out the rest of his term, but will have the advantage of going into the June primary and November's general election as the incumbent, political strategists say.
The winner of the November election will then serve a two-year term in the House. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent in April, the top vote-getters in each party will then compete in a runoff for the temporary assignment; the runoff will be held in tandem with the June primaries.
With 159,000 registered Republicans versus 107,000 Democrats, the 50th District has long been considered a safe one for the GOP. However, the Cunningham scandal has convinced Democrats, even at the national level, that Busby has a good chance of scoring an upset.
Recently, Republican political consultant Jack Orr told the North County Times that one of the biggest advantages Busby had was being the lone Democrat competing against a half-dozen or more Republicans splitting the votes. In the special election, that could definitely work to her advantage, Orr had said.
Young sounded unrepentant for possibly splitting the Democratic vote.
"I totally admire (Busby), I do, but ... voters deserve a real choice," Young said.
Among the items she lists as concerns on her Web site, www.chrisyoungforcongress.com, Young includes: "Restore Integrity; Resolve the War in Iraq; Defeat Terrorism; Enhance Emergency Response" and "Revitalize Education."
But O'Connor said that one of the items on her list particularly concerns him. "Protect our borders ---- the Common Sense Approach: Finish the Fence," the item reads.
"I am really troubled by that," O'Connor said. "She's starting to sound like Bill Morrow."
He was referring to state Sen. Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside, one of several GOP candidates calling for strengthening the nation's borders and toughening enforcement of immigration laws. O'Connor said that many Democrats are opposed to the fence as a waste of money; as something that goes against American values and is an affront to Latin American neighbors; and because of the damage it will do to the environment.
Young disagrees.
"The border fence is not a wedge issue, it's a real San Diego concern," she said. "The fence works ---- just ask the Border Patrol."
If the Democratic Party fails to face the legitimate concerns of North County residents over the problem of illegal immigration, "that is a real weakness," she said.
Cunningham's resignation on Nov. 28 set off a rush by Republican hopefuls to replace him. In recent days, three more North County Republicans have joined the four other declared GOP candidates.
Earlier this week, wealthy businessman and Rancho Santa Fe resident Ken King announced he will run and said he anticipates spending as much as $2 million on the special election. And retired Solana Beach businessman Donald Pando called the North County Times this week to say he is seriously considering running. Pando ran unsuccessfully against Cunningham in 1992 and 1994.
Scott Turner, a former San Diego Charger cornerback, said Friday that he plans to announce next week he will also run on the GOP ticket.
Turner, 33, who retired this year from the National Football League, spent several months as an intern with Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, in 2003 and 2004. He runs a motivational speaking business and has no political experience but for his internship.
He said life experience and leadership skills acquired with the Chargers make him qualified for the race.
"I've been a leader for people for a long time," he said. "I don't have political experience or all the jargon or rhetoric down. But what's going to prove important in this race is the character of the man. I've got that."
The GOP field already includes state Sen. Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside, former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian, former Congressman Brian Bilbray, and Del Mar businessman Alan Uke.
Uke is independently wealthy, and a spokesman for his campaign said last week that Uke is prepared to spend a significant amount to win.
Erin Schultz contributed to this story. Contact staff writer William Finn Bennett at (760) 740-5426, or wbennett@nctimes.com.
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Ray wrote on Dec 24, 2005 2:10 AM:Busby has never really held an elected office. If you mean School Board, that's just like becoming president of your homeowner's association, no big deal. Both have no experience in national politics when we need someone more than ever who will and can get what we need from Washington.
marilyn wrote on Dec 24, 2005 8:28 AM:To Chris Y. You must not have any political savy if in a strong Republican district, you toss your hat in the ring thereby diluting the chance for a Democrat to receive 51% of the vote and avoiding the runoff. Are you a closet Republican? You may forever be known as a spoiler.
Support Democracy wrote on Dec 24, 2005 9:03 AM:I like these Democrats who love to rattle of words like rigths, freedom and democracy. Yet when someone, other than their bestowed upon pick, has the audacity to try and participate in the processs, this person gets demonized. Good to know that the Democrats are fighters for personal rights, except where their own interests conlflict.
AL wrote on Dec 24, 2005 9:06 AM:Three cheers for Chris Young for jumping in the race. More citizens should leap forward for noble public service to their country. Bronx cheers for Democrat Party power brokers, livid Chris Young might spoil their Busby anointment. Hypocritical Demo leaders profess an inclusionary "big tent".
fred wrote on Dec 24, 2005 9:37 AM:Let's introduce some political sophistication in our voting system (like many other countries have done so far) and use Instant Runoff Voting to avoid the spoiler (Young) effect. Here's how IRV works. Voters select their favorite candidate, but at the same time indicate their runoff choices by ranking their candidates: first, second or third. If a candidate receives a majority of first choices, she or he is declared the winner. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and a runoff round of counting occurs immediately, using voters' "runoff" rankings. Your ballot counts for your top-ranked candidate still in the race. Runoff rounds continue until there is a majority winner. IRV determines a true majority winner without a run-off and banishes the spoiler concept. In 2000, those voters who liked Ralph Nader but worried about George Bush could have ranked Nader first and Al Gore second. Rather than contributing to Gore's defeat, Nader could have stimulated debate and mobilized more voters. Real democracy needs a rainbow of choices, not the dull gray that results in one of the lowest voter turnouts in the democratic world. IRV better fulfills the democratic goals of electing majority winners without fear of spoilers, and encouraging voter participation, new political voices, and campaign debate.
Michelle wrote on Dec 24, 2005 10:05 AM:Finally! A qualified Democrat that isn't part of the lunatic fringe! Chris is a breath of fresh air!
John wrote on Dec 24, 2005 10:50 AM:Ray, would you prefer to elect a LOBBYIST like Billbray? I'm sure he knows how to work the system t what we need from Washington. I just read Chris 's web site. What a hoot! There is little or no daylight between her positions and the Republicans'. Come on NCTimes - do your homework. Let's find out who this gal is in bed with. I don't subscribe to conspiracy theories, but it is hard to believe that Chris came up with this candidacy on her own and that some resourceful republican didn't have a hand in this. If she is such a smart cookie and a business savvy banker, why would she toss her hat into a race she can't win? Looking forward to the next expose.
Young NOT! wrote on Dec 24, 2005 10:59 AM:No clue! She has no clue! Why would anyone vote for someone with no clue? If she isn't smart enough to see her minimal chances in the election what makes her think we could trust her to make good decisions and see opportunities for North County in Washington! NO CLUE!
San Diego Democrat wrote on Dec 25, 2005 10:27 AM:It is so nice to see a real candidate in the race. Busby lacks any real substance. If you compare the websites, Young actually writes about real issues. Busby just writes about fluff. I am so happy that we finally have a good Democratic Candidate to vote for. Keep up the good work Chris!
CT Reader wrote on Dec 25, 2005 11:13 AM:Hats off to the Republicans that recruited Chris Young. They sure are playing dirty! (Don't get me wrong, I hope to see Busby win.)
Spoiler? wrote on Dec 25, 2005 11:38 AM:To all the spoilers of the political circus. It is fine time we have someone who obviously knows what we've been looking for! Finally a real person, a native, educated and not afraid to step into the fire. All of those who have been keeping your heads buried in the sand it's time you pull your heads out and vote. Have you seen her website? To those who have seen her website you need to check it out a little more if what some of you think is that this is a woman who has "No political savvy" or "No Clue"! Get real educate yourself and open your eyes. Do the Democrats, Independents and Republicans a favor and vote for the right one! GO CHRIS YOUNG!! Look for me on your volunteer sign up!! You’ve got my vote!
Barbara wrote on Dec 25, 2005 8:03 PM:Chris Young, an unkown? What would you call Busby, I had never heard of her before she threw in her hat for this seat. School board member, BIG DEAL I am proud that Chris Young has the guts to let her opinion be heard. If she hurts Busby's chances then her chances weren't good to begin with. I am ashamed that the party that I have supported since childhood, (I was out in the 50's with my mom collecting Dollars for Democrats)has the audacity to complain about the democratic process. Chris does have a clue, check out the differences in the two democratic web sites, listen to what Chris is saying. I for one am tired of voting for the losing side in this district. Maybe the democrats need to look deeper into their coffers for better canidates, not just from the few that belong to the clubs. I feel that at least we have a choice now. GO CHRIS I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!
Diane wrote on Dec 26, 2005 1:35 PM:I am utterly astounded at the less- than-fair coverage of Chris Young's running for the 50th district seat. All I read was how upset the ultra-leftist Democratic "clicks" are that there now isn't "just one candidate" for a better chance of winning this seat. It's simply that their candidate Busby has no position, no specifics, and has no backbone. Don't Democrats want someone who has a real attainable position and is willing to fight on real principles? Boy, there sure are a lot of Reps going for the position too. I bet their special interest clicks are VERY upset...yet we here none of this. Is it all Busby's friends or what? It sure isn't the best for the moral, cerebral Democrats. Chris sounds like someone for the people...someone who HAS a fighting chance, not just a minute favoritist following.
Matthew wrote on Dec 27, 2005 3:16 PM:"If she is such a smart cookie and a business savvy banker, why would she toss her hat into a race she can't win?" Umm....who does that remind you of? Busby, methinks? I think all the ticked off Busby people are really calling the kettle black with all this "she can't win in the district stuff". As a Republican I find it kind of funny.
Steve wrote on Dec 28, 2005 8:17 AM:Busby didn't even cover the registration in her last attempt against the most corrupt Republican in history. Cunningham, who was once described to me by another MC as "a man in love with himself who has no rivals for those affections," was known to be a problem child for the GOP for years. Even if Cunningham was running for re-election and had no body else on the ballot but Busby, he'd still win handily because the district is drawn that way. The Democratic Party (which is busy looking for enlightened millionaires to run for office) pays no attention to it for that reason. All the money goes to sure bets in politics. I appreciate that others want to participate and keep the system as honest as this newspaper (which had to have known what a jerk Cunningham was) allows.
Kirk wrote on Dec 28, 2005 2:19 PM:As a life-long Republican who prides himself on voting for the candidate first (rather than the party affiliation) I am happy to say Chris Young is Democrat I may actually vote for. If my choices are between an ultra-right, career politician (see: just about every announced Republican candidate for the 50th)and a conservative Democrat without the baggage of back-room deal making and strings-attached campaign contributions, mark my vote for Chris Young.
california_reality_check wrote on Dec 29, 2005 1:13 PM:Young is about as Democratic as Zell Miller was.
Matthew wrote on Dec 29, 2005 3:45 PM:That may be, reality check...but it would take a Zell Miller Democrat to win in this district...so I still don't see your point.
california_reality_check wrote on Dec 30, 2005 12:25 PM:Well, shoot. If she is one of yours, what is she doing running as a Democrat? Unless...
conspiracy? wrote on Apr 12, 2006 8:49 AM:If Young really is a "closet Republican" running as a Democrat to spoil Busby's chances, she would at least pretend to have more Democrat-oriented views (if she had an ounce of intillegence that is). If a Democrat wanted someone like Busby, a more right-wing candidate wouldn't take their vote (unless they don't pay attention to the issues and vote purely on party affiliation and randomly decide to go with the other Democrat).
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