Dumanis wins 4th term

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis won her fourth term in office early Wednesday despite growing questions over her dealings with a man charged with illegally funneling foreign contributions to political campaigns.

Dumanis claimed around 55 percent of the vote, well ahead of lawyer Robert Brewer and former county prosecutor Terri Wyatt. Earning more than 50 percent of the vote means a runoff in November will not be required.

“I’m pleased and happy about the results,” Dumanis said. “I appreciate the voters for standing with me, and my family’s support, too.”

Dumanis, who was unopposed in two previous re-election tries, was accused by her opponents of politicizing the office. They said she had worn out her welcome after a dozen years on the job.

Monday, it was revealed that she wrote a letter of recommendation to University of San Diego President Mary Lyons on behalf of the son of a Mexican businessman who had donated $200,000 to her mayoral campaign.

The donor, Mexican millionaire Jose Azano Matsura, is charged with using middlemen to provide San Diego political campaigns with illegal foreign contributions. Dumanis has tried to distance herself from the defendant.

The news about the letter didn’t come out until most of the mail ballots had been returned.

She didn’t address the issue on election night and canceled a morning media availability at the Registrar of Voters Office.

She has previously denied that she has politicized the office and points to a strong conviction rate by the prosecutors who work under her, though the specific numbers are disputed.

Brewer spoke to supporters and said, “I feel nothing but good things about this experience. Nothing.”