Still sore about snub, Dudum takes on Chu
By: Joshua Sabatini
Examiner Staff Writer
October 16, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO — Political corruption in District 4 led to the appointment of a young political newcomer to represent the residents of the Sunset district, but that youthfulness is now being turned against the incumbent.
Of the three races for a seat on the Board of Supervisors with an incumbent running, District 4 is considered the closest. Seven seats are up for grabs this November.
The races will decide the political flavor of the Board of Supervisors for years to come, and possibly move what has been a progressive board during the last eight years toward a more moderate position, aligned closer with Mayor Gavin Newsom.
The Sunset has 37,580 registered voters and a large Chinese population that historically votes moderate.
Newsom appointed newcomer Carmen Chu to the seat when Ed Jew resigned amid public-corruption charges to which he pleaded guilty Friday.
Businessman Ron Dudum lost in the November 2006 election to Jew by about 50 votes and remains critical of Newsom for not appointing him instead of Chu.
Dudum, 52, says his experience and his longtime Sunset residency make him best suited for the job.
His campaign volunteers are calling residents to specifically point out that Chu is young and was born in Los Angeles.
Chu, 30, dismisses the charges.
“I don’t have any say where I was born or where my parents chose to raise me,” Chu said. “I do choose where I plan to have my future. [The Sunset is] a place where I am invested.”
Chu said her three years in Newsom’s budget office have provided her with more knowledge of city dollars than her challengers.
Dudum said he would bring a more independent voice to the board and look out for middle-class interests.
On Oct. 8, Chu’s campaign disclosure showed she raised $180,336, spent $139,362 and had $28,558 remaining to spend.
As of Sept. 30, Dudum had raised $48,979 and had received about $50,000 in public-finance dollars from The City. He reported having about $46,000 left to spend.
The third candidate in the race, Dave Ferguson, has not raised a significant amount of money.
jsabatini@sfexaminer.com
Following the money
Top fundraisers in District 4 race:
Carmen Chu*
$180,336
Ron Dudum
$48,979
Chu’s fundraising as of Oct. 8; Dudum’s as of Sept. 30. Dudum’s does not include public-finance dollars he received.
* Incumbent
Source: Ethics Commission
