Posted on 12/28/2005 8:22:09 AM PST by LdSentinal
SOLANA BEACH ---- A former National Football League defensive back and punt returner has entered the GOP sweepstakes to fill out the unexpired term of Randy "Duke" Cunningham.
Scott Turner, 33, a political neophyte, made his announcement Tuesday from a makeshift lectern placed on the 50-yard line at Santa Fe Christian School's Beauchamp Stadium.
Flanked by his wife, Robin, Turner said he's in the 50th Congressional District race despite naysayers who, he said, have told him he needs a Hail Mary-type completion to overcome his better-financed and more experienced rivals.
"Many have already tried to dissuade me from one, running for Congress, and two, entering this particular race which is filled with professional politicians and other candidates," Turner said. "They state that I don't have a chance. But through perseverance, hard work, faith in God and determination, I have been able to succeed in many areas of my life, and in my own personal dictionary I have crossed out the word 'impossible.' "
Turner's political resume is bare except for a 2004 volunteer internship in the district and Capitol Hill offices of U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, an experience the Dallas native said taught him the basics of congressional service.
He cited a strong defense, secure borders and education as his three most important concerns, adding he would restore integrity to a seat now tarnished by Cunningham's Nov. 28 guilty pleas to bribery and tax evasion.
"I want to be a fresh voice for the people of the 50th District," said Turner, who was joined for his announcement by about two dozen supporters, including former Los Angeles Laker A.C. Green. "Since I'm new to this political game, I won't stand before you making big campaign promises.
"But the one thing I can assure you is that I will be an uncompromising, integrity-filled representative."
Hunter has made no endorsement of any of the candidates. Turner said that he talked with Hunter about his plans and that the congressman told him that if he got in the race, he should campaign with heart and determination.
Turner faces a crowded field of Republicans, most with years of political experience and a financial head start on the newest candidate, who said he has raised about $12,000 thus far.
The field includes state Sen. Bill Morrow, former Rep. Brian Bilbray, former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian, and two wealthy businessmen, Alan Uke and Ken King.
The Democratic side features Francine Busby of Encinitas, who lost to Cunningham in 2004, and Oceanside's Chris Young, who announced last week she would join the race.
The current Congress has 43 blacks, with all but Illinois Sen. Barack Obama serving in the House of Representatives.
Turner made no mention of ethnicity in his announcement, instead talking of his humble upbringing in Texas and what he said was his lifelong ability to overcome adversity. He cited his ability to play professional football from 1995 through 2004 despite lacking NFL size. He played for the San Diego Chargers from 1998 through the 2002 season.
"The same attributes that allowed me to be successful on the fields of play are the ones that I will take with me to be not just a successful, but a wonderful representative of the people of the 50th District of California," he said.
Oceanside political consultant Jack Orr said Tuesday that he had never heard of Turner and considers his candidacy a long shot at best.
"I think it's curious more than anything else," Orr said.
Over the last five years, Turner has spent the off-season as a motivational speaker and as a mentor along with his wife for other couples at Morning Star Christian Church in San Diego.
The filing period for the unexpired term opens Feb. 7 and closes Feb. 27, the date Cunningham is slated to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns in San Diego.
If none of the candidates wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the April 11 special election, a runoff will take place June 6.
For more information about Turner, see his campaign Web site: www.turnerforcongress.com.
On the site, Green, the former Laker who played in the National Basketball Association for 16 years, writes that he has known Turner for 10 years and that the determination and dedication his friend displays are attributes he would take to Capitol Hill.
That this organization believes this story line is funny or even fanciful tells you what they believe. Sounds like several or more homosexuals got together and did a script about people they hate the most--Christians.
We are not the party of affirmative action. Otherwise herman Cain would be the senator from Georgia. Turner? I wish him luck bt we shouldn't give him any breaks just because it would change the face of the party.
If he is Rush Limbaugh's friend that's worth $1,000,000 alone, if Limbaugh steps up to the plate.
Sounds just like the type of person the GOP needs to run for office nationwide. Black, White, Hispanic or whatever, the young GOP needs to get it's wheels movin, especially in districts that are represented by RINO's and Rats that have bearley hung on to their seats over the years.
Having said that, Turner winning in a state like California would send shockwaves all the way to the Washington offices of the NAALCP and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Doesn't have a chance in district that has no african-american voters. Why not run against Susan Davis? There are african-american voters in that district.
Doesn't have a chance in district that has no african-american voters. Why not run against Susan Davis? There are african-american voters in that district.
BRIAN BILBRAY???? BRIAN BILBRAY?????? They just can't stay away, can they? What kind of personality needs, absolutely craves, this kind of work?
I know that is the problem. He is running to divide the vote. I think that how it done in the republican party. If he want a free run he could run against susan davis and get creamed in a run against democrats.
To be fair, Brian was a South Bay mayor, NEVER a pro athlete...lol.
Interesting candidate, but this is Kaloogian's baby.
"We are not the party of affirmative action. Otherwise Herman Cain would be the senator from Georgia."
Not necessarily. Bill Morrow represents most of the voters in the state Senate.
Seems to be a lot of conservatives in the field. It's fortunate that RINO San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater isn't running.
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