Roughly around the same time this issue of the Gay & Lesbian Times hits the street, District 3 hopefuls Todd Gloria, John Hartley, Rocky Neptun and Stephen Whitburn will be introducing themselves to the San Diego Democratic Club (SDDC) and engaging in their first debate of the 2008 election season.

Despite the SDCC’s admission that “it is possible that more candidates will join the field,” as stated in its most recent newsletter, the SDDC membership will vote to endorse following the debate.

We feel that the club’s motion to endorse is too soon.

Granted, as with any campaign, politicking began well before opening day, but, technically, candidates are not even able to file papers until February 2008 – plenty of time for additional candidates to enter the field.

Further, the first financial reporting date for money raised for the first half of the year isn’t until July 31, 2007. A huge lead by one of the three gay candidates could be just the indicator needed to get behind one truly viable gay candidate.

A total of five candidates have already surfaced to replace Councilmember Toni Atkins, who terms out in 2008. Gloria, Whitburn and former Councilmember Hartley, all Democrats, will be vying for the club’s endorsement.

Other non-Democratic candidates are ineligible for the club’s endorsement because the club only endorses Democrats. These candidates include Robert E. Lee, who describes his affiliation as independent with moderate-Republican leanings, and Rocky Neptun, a member of the Green Party and chair of the San Diego Renters Union. Neptun is also openly gay. And, as mentioned in our June 7 editorial (www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=9890), Republican James Hartline, best known as an “ex-gay” and vocal critic of the GLBT community, has also entered the fray.

It is possible, if not probable, that this early in the race, none of the candidates will receive the 60 percent needed for the club’s endorsement. In this case, all candidates, regardless of political affiliation, will be eligible for an “acceptable” rating.

This achieves absolutely nothing. When voters turn to the SDDC Voter Guide come Election Day, they will receive no real direction, leaving the door wide open for other organizations like GLBT Vote 2008 and yours truly, the good ol’ GLT, to provide leadership for the community.

If no endorsement is made Thursday, we urge the club to rescind all acceptable ratings and endorse in this race as we get closer to the primary.

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