SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The Republican Party of San Diego County announced today that it is endorsing Councilwoman Lorie Zapf for reelection next year and Chris Cate's bid to join her on the City Council.
The county GOP leadership made the endorsements at a meeting Monday night.
The action came nearly a week after the City Council gave tentative approval to caps on the amount that political parties can contribute to candidates in municipal elections. The limit for council races will be $10,000.
The contribution restrictions still require a second reading, followed by a 30-day waiting period, before they take effect. Until then, the parties are free to give candidates as much as they want.
County Republican Chairman Tony Krvaric told City News Service that he will not comment ``on the timing or nature of assistance to our candidates.''
Contributions will be made public later when the campaigns file their financial statements with the city.
The San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee is scheduled to meet June 18. It's unknown whether the panel plans to endorse candidates at that meeting.
Zapf, who currently represents District 6, hopes to shift to District 2 to succeed Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who will be termed-out. Redistricting changed council boundaries around the city, so Zapf now lives in his district.
Cate, the interim executive director of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, hopes to succeed Zapf in District 6.
David Alvarez and recently elected Myrtle Cole, both Democrats, will also have to defend their City Council seats next year.
The county GOP also endorsed the reelection of county Supervisors Bill Horn and Ron Roberts, and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, among others. As county office-holders, they are not subject to the city contribution lids.
