District Attorney candidate Robert Brewer released a campaign video Thursday, touting an endorsement from Father Joe Carroll, and campaign staffers for incumbent Bonnie Dumanis immediately disputed Brewer’s credentials as cited in the ad.
The 31-second video, which can be seen on Brewer’s website, features homeless advocate Carroll explaining why he’ll vote for Brewer in the June 3 primary election. A rep for Dumanis called for Brewer to pull the ad from his website and correct any future version.
“Bob Brewer is a decorated war hero, a widely respected state and federal prosecutor and most important to me, a man of great integrity,” said Carroll, who is semi-retired. “And that’s what we need in that office.”
Jennifer Tierney, of Dumanis’ camp, took issue with Carroll being labeled a federal prosecutor, saying he’s a defense attorney.
“Bob Brewer is clearly trying to pull the wool over the eyes of San Diego County voters,” Tierney said in a prepared release. “Releasing an untruthful ad is not acceptable from a candidate who wants to be the county’s top law enforcement official.”
Alex Roth, of Brewer’s campaign, told City News Service his candidate was a state prosecutor for two years and a federal prosecutor for five years.
About 15 percent of Brewer’s current private practice work is in criminal defense law, Roth said.
A press release touting the endorsement quoted Carroll calling Brewer a “widely respected former state and federal prosecutor.” But in the video, Carroll does not use the word “former.”
Roth said the Dumanis hasn’t tried a case in court for “over a quarter century.” He said he would compare Brewer’s record as a prosecutor to Dumanis’ any time.
“I couldn’t be more honored to have Father Joe’s support,” Brewer said. “His decades of tireless charitable work have made him a local hero. No one cares more about San Diego than Father Joe, which is why I am so proud to have his endorsement.”
Tierney said the Dumanis campaign has “the utmost respect” for Carroll and his right to endorse a candidate of his choosing. The campaign has listed multiple endorsements, including state Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Former Deputy District Attorney Terri Wyatt is also in the race to topple Dumanis, who is running for her fourth term. She ran unopposed last time.
– City News Service
