SAN DIEGO – Vice President Joe Biden is expected to travel to San Diego this weekend in support of a 52nd Congressional District campaign.
Rep. Scott Peters expects the vice president to make an appearance at an event Saturday, campaign officials said Thursday. He will speak to volunteers and canvassers for the campaign at 8:30 a.m. at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on Kearny Mesa Road, according to Alex Roth, Peter’s communications director.
Biden will fly to San Diego Friday evening, sources told Fox 5.
“It’s a great pat on the back, very encouraging,” Peters said.
San Diego’s top business leaders named Peters as Biocom’s Elected Official of the Year Thursday.
Jerry Sanders, former San Diego mayor and president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, was at the announcement and spoke highly of the Democratic congressman.
“The Chamber of Commerce doesn’t endorse federal races, but I think Scott’s been good for business,” Sanders said. “I think Biocom did a great job in recognizing him.”
Sanders remained tight-lipped about the congressman’s opponent, Republican Carl DeMaio. The race between Peters and DeMaio has been heated.
In Mira Mesa, DeMaio gathered with supporters to rebut what he called the “mudslinging circus” created by the Peters camp.
“Our press conference today is focused on the issues, not personal smears and unsubstantiated rumors,” DeMaio said.
The candidate was referring to the bombshell dropped by former San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye when asked about recent allegations of sexual misconduct.
“I believe there are more victims,” Frye said. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Frye gave her endorsement to Peters Wednesday when she showed up at campaign headquarters to clear her name. She said she wasn’t planning on getting involved, but DeMaio dragged her into the conversation when he dropped her name and said they worked well together. In the same breath, Frye called DeMaio disrespectful and difficult to work with.
When Fox 5 asked DeMaio about Frye’s sexual misconduct claims, he deflected.
“I’m focused on the issues people care about in San Diego,” the candidate said.
The San Diego Police Department would not indicate whether it was investigating Frye’s claims, but said any claims of criminal activity are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Last week, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis denied bringing charges of sexual misconduct allegations against DeMaio, saying there wasn’t enough evidence.
DeMaio called the news of Biden backing Peters a “personal floatation device” thrown by the White House.
“Mr. Obama wants that rubber stamp in Congress for his failed agenda,” DeMaio said.
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