Politician of the Year: The first Democrat elected mayor in 20 years. The first Democrat elected to the County Board of Supervisors in almost as long. A challenger who knocks off an incumbent Congressman. In most years, any of the three could have walked away with this award.
2012 was not most years. It was a Democratic wave that has been building for some time. The victories by Bob Filner, Dave Roberts, Scott Peters and others were made possible in part by organized voter registration and turn out efforts aimed at turning San Diego blue. The person most responsible for that effort, and the Politician of the Year, is outgoing San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman Jess Durfee.
Best New Thing: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It’s not Comprehensive Immigration Reform and it leaves too many people behind, but President Obama’s policy is changing the lives of young immigrants in San Diego and across the country.
Best Issue Advocacy: Marriage Equality. In May, North Carolina passed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, the 32nd consecutive loss at the ballot box for marriage equality. What a difference 7 months makes. Since then, President Obama has come out for marriage equality; it became part of the platform at the Democratic National Convention, and the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop. 8 are on the ropes at the Supreme Court. And there is the small matter of the four state sweeps in November. This may be one of the last years that marriage equality can win Best Issue Advocacy, because polls show that same-sex marriage is becoming a non-issue faster than anyone expected.
Worst Year: If you can find a bright spot for California Republicans in 2012, let me know. In one year, they lost control of the second largest city (San Diego), multiple seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and their ability to block tax hikes in Sacramento. Nowhere to go but up?
Comeback of the Year: While both Mayor Filner and Councilmember Lightner took second in their primaries, their November victories were more a reflection of electorate changes than actual “comebacks.” Instead, the Comeback of the Year Award goes to Congressman-elect Scott Peters. The last time Peters’ name was on a ballot, he failed to make the general election in the race for city attorney. Four years later, he’s headed to Washington, having defeated three-term incumbent Brian Bilbray.
Best Photo: I doubted anything could top the visual of servicemembers marching openly in the Pride parade. I was wrong. Watching them do so in uniform was even more powerful.
Best Speech: Bill Clinton at the Democratic Convention. If you don’t understand why he wins, ask him. He’s rather good at explaining things.
Best Ally: I’m a fan of good messaging and measured discourse, but every once in a while it’s fun to see an unfiltered rant. Especially when it involves the phrase “lustful cockmonster.” For his colorful help in the fight for marriage equality, the award goes to Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe.
