Updated at 12:15 p.m. March 10, 2012
Coronado resident Jack Doyle—mayor of Santee from 1984 to 1992—has entered the race for a seat in Congress for the new 52nd District, according to a U-T San Diego report.
“I am going to try to represent a position that isn’t influenced by big government or big business resources, that can work with both parties and can take input from all viewpoints, sit at the table, and work out what’s best for the economy and the future of America,” Doyle was quoted as saying.
Called a lifelong Democrat, Doyle will run as an independent, according to the U-T report. He joins Democrats Scott Peters and Lori Saldaña and Republican John Stahl in the race against GOP Rep. Brian Bilbray.
Original story of Feb. 6, 2012:
Is there a place for a TRUE independent in Congress?
Former Santee Mayor Jack Doyle thinks there might be, and he wants to know if others think so as well.
Jack Doyle thinks the voters in the 52nd Congressional District might want an alternative to Scott Peters, Brian Bilbray or Lori Saldana- and he’s officially exploring the possibility of getting into the race with a "volunteer-driven campaign, without PAC money," and free from any political party.
Doyle is no political Johnny-come-lately with idealistic stars in his eyes.
The first directly elected Mayor in Santee’s history, Doyle served two terms as Santee Mayor, from 1984 to 1992.
He was also Chairman of SANDAG- the San Diego Association of Governments.
He served on the .
Politically, he’s been there and done that.
So why is he considering throwing his political hat back in the ring?
Mainly, disgust with both major political parties.
“Both parties have TALKED the game, but have DONE little”, said Doyle.
"The Democrats seem to believe in fairy-tale financing, and the Republicans depend on fear and fabrication," the ex-Democrat said.
Doyle sees himself as someone who might at least be able to start an honest debate, and keep it going.
“We need to talk seriously about a lot of things. We need to talk about real , but we also need to talk about preserving , too. The political scene is so polarized right now that people are talking AT each other, but they’re not even trying to talk TO each other,” he said.
Although Doyle said his potential rivals have some baggage, he’s not really into talking about that stuff just yet- if ever.
Doyle said his position would be as a "true independent"- not a closet Democrat, not a stealth Republican, not a secret Libertarian- a true independent voice in Congress.
We can have the conversation about the difficulties inherent in that position at a later time, if Doyle does go ahead and make this run.
Right now, what Doyle wants is to find out if there are enough like-minded people in the 52nd District to support him in a real way- and that would hopefully mean financially as well as philosophically.
His former Congressional home district can’t help him with votes this time- the new 52nd runs right along the southwest Santee city limit, but does not enter Santee.
Doyle has about a month to gauge support before the filing deadline to enter the race.
If there’s enough support, he’ll probably do it.
Remember, all he has to do is defeat either Peters or Bilbray in the primary, and he’s in the general- regardless of party affiliation- or lack thereof.
Doyle has a website up at JackDoyle4congress.com, which gives you much more information about Doyle and his current life, as well as his history, training and education.
It’s worth a look.
He points out one factor that may endear him to voters.
“Look, I’m in a position where I definitely don’t need the job. I’m looking at this because our political system is broken right now, and we need to start trying to fix it.”
Whatever your particular political leanings, it’s pretty hard to argue with that statement.
