Busby to succeed Durfee as SD Democratic Party chairperson

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Former congressional candidate Francine Busby will be
the new chairwoman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, succeeding Jess
Durfee, the organization announced Thursday.

Busby was elected to the position at a meeting Tuesday night, and Durfee
was named chairman emeritus.

The Cardiff by the Sea resident fell short in three congressional
campaigns against Republicans and later became executive director of Run Women
Run, an organization that mentors, trains, and supports pro-choice women for
elected office.

“I am honored to follow in Jess Durfee's footsteps,” said Busby. “I
hope to build on our success to bring positive and progressive change that will
benefit all San Diegans.”

Durfee served as the county Democratic leader for nine years, helping
elect former Rep. Bob Filner as mayor of San Diego, ex-Port Commissioner Scott
Peters to Congress and then-Solana Beach Councilman Dave Roberts to the Board
of Supervisors.

The mayoral victory by Filner was the first by a Democrat in San Diego
since 1988. The Board of Supervisors had been made up of the same five
Republicans for 17 years.