Republican Nathan Fletcher’s mayoral campaign has picked up another official backer — former Democratic state assemblyman and senator Wadie P. Deddeh. Deddeh’s claim to fame is as the first Iraqi-born American to ever hold elected office in the United States, serving from 1967-1983 in the assembly and from 1983-1993 as the senator from California’s 40th District, which includes southern San Diego County.
“Nathan Fletcher is the right choice to be San Diego’s next mayor,” Deddeh said in a press release, placing Fletcher among the ranks of Ronald Reagan and Pete Wilson, “principled but bipartisan coalition builders who can deliver results.”
Fletcher made news in this regard a few weeks ago, announcing a bipartisan deal struck with Democratic governor Jerry Brown to close a corporate tax loophole. The deal ultimately fell apart in the Senate, when every GOP legislator voted against it.
Continuing his written statement in support of Fletcher, Deddeh frames Fletcher as the type of candidate needed to bridge the widening gap between the country’s two dominant political parties. “When I served in the California legislature, Republicans and Democrats had strongly held opinions, but they came together in the best interests of our state, and as a result we enjoyed decades of progress and prosperity.... Nathan is this type of leader and this is what is needed at City Hall. We need someone who can build bridges and work with members of both parties. Nathan can do exactly that.”
Image: Book cover featuring Wadie Deddeh
Republican Nathan Fletcher’s mayoral campaign has picked up another official backer — former Democratic state assemblyman and senator Wadie P. Deddeh. Deddeh’s claim to fame is as the first Iraqi-born American to ever hold elected office in the United States, serving from 1967-1983 in the assembly and from 1983-1993 as the senator from California’s 40th District, which includes southern San Diego County.
“Nathan Fletcher is the right choice to be San Diego’s next mayor,” Deddeh said in a press release, placing Fletcher among the ranks of Ronald Reagan and Pete Wilson, “principled but bipartisan coalition builders who can deliver results.”
Fletcher made news in this regard a few weeks ago, announcing a bipartisan deal struck with Democratic governor Jerry Brown to close a corporate tax loophole. The deal ultimately fell apart in the Senate, when every GOP legislator voted against it.
Continuing his written statement in support of Fletcher, Deddeh frames Fletcher as the type of candidate needed to bridge the widening gap between the country’s two dominant political parties. “When I served in the California legislature, Republicans and Democrats had strongly held opinions, but they came together in the best interests of our state, and as a result we enjoyed decades of progress and prosperity.... Nathan is this type of leader and this is what is needed at City Hall. We need someone who can build bridges and work with members of both parties. Nathan can do exactly that.”
Image: Book cover featuring Wadie Deddeh