From the Richard Baily Campaign
San Diego is facing serious challenges. A growing budget deficit, mounting infrastructure backlogs, and declining basic services didn’t happen overnight – they are the result of years of bad policy, irresponsible spending, and a lack of accountability at City Hall. Fixing these problems will require better policies from experienced leadership with a clear vision for how city government should function..
That’s why I’m proud to endorse Richard Bailey for San Diego City Council.
Bailey is by far the most qualified candidate in the field and centers his entire campaign platform around policies, not politics.
Richard brings something that is increasingly rare in government today: a deep command of the actual policies and decisions that shape our city. He understands the details of the budget, the regulatory environment, and the structural challenges facing San Diego in a way that few elected officials, let alone candidates, do.
Just as important, Bailey has already demonstrated the ability to lead. As a successful two-term Mayor of Coronado, he built a reputation for focusing on policies over politics and fulfilling the core responsibilities of local government – maintaining infrastructure, keeping neighborhoods safe, and responsibly balancing the budget. Bailey was also spot on when it came to tackling the regional issue of homelessness through commonsense policies that emphasized accountability first, not last. In addition to getting the basics of local and regional policies right, Bailey also made the environment a top priority by working in a bipartisan fashion to help secure the federal funding and legislation necessary to finally address the Tijuana sewage issue.
Richard also has the education and analytical background to tackle complex policy challenges, with a degree in Business Finance and a master’s degree in Economics.
Equally important to his education, Bailey also brings the kind of real-world experience that is lacking in public office. He has a background working in finance for a Fortune 500 company, giving him a strong understanding of budgets, financial management, and organizational accountability. He also owns two businesses that have operated in the district for years, which gives him a firsthand understanding of how city policies affect workers, entrepreneurs, and families trying to make a living in San Diego.
The same policies and leadership that created the problems we see today at City Hall will not be able to solve them.
San Diego deserves better.
Richard Bailey has the experience, the knowledge, and the independence to bring real accountability and balance to City Hall. I’m proud to endorse Richard Bailey for City Council and encourage all of San Diego that wants to see a change at City Hall support him as well.
Larry Turner
Retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel
Retired SDPD Officer
Larry Turner ran for San Diego Mayor in 2024 and carried City Council District 2 by 7 points.
The OB Rag has a standing offer to all D2 candidates: we will publish your policy statement up to 1,000 words on the Rag.
I have a question for Larry Turner: since you did so well in D2 during the mayoral campaign in 2024, why didn’t you then run for D2 council seat?
No longer lives in OB.
Larry Turner had such an opportunity but was basically Biff Tannen from Back to the Future.
Glad you posted this, Frank. It’s simply obvious, Richard Bailey is head and shoulders above the rest.
He is the only big threat to the municipal unions which is why the local Dem party is spending money on cheap shot mailers that are not even worth recycling; just throw in the trash. So lame and so same old big money political gamesmanship.
A change is going to come to city hall and the union-supported challengers to Richard are scared as heck and they should be.
Party loyalty gave you Todd Gloria and now our city is broken. So maybe it’s time to put the party labels away.
RICHARD P. BAILEY FOR DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL – the obvious choice
We only posted this because the Rag has a standing offer to post one policy paper by each of the D2 candidates; this is Bailey’s. As you know, Lisa, the Rag has endorsed Mandy Havlik.
Lisa you keep saying that Republican Richard is going to change City Hall but you’ve yet to put together a plan of “how”. Even if he were to win – which he will not, he’s a MAGA republican carpetbagger running it what will be the biggest blue wave since 2006 – how does he possibly change the dynamics of an 8-1 city council with a Democratic Mayor while basically pushing for Carl DeMaio-era policies (which is a huge reason why we’re here in the first place!). He’s also looking to blow a massive hole in the budget by undoing the trash fees with no plan to do anything to make up for those dollars. Finally he’ll immediately be running for Mayor and not paying attention to D2 at all. If he were to win – which, for the second time, he will not, instead he’ll lose by 10 plus points just like Zapf, Faulconer and Dumanis – he’d isolate this district even further, not have any chairs on any committees and be at the end of constant 8-1 decisions. He’ll be a net negative for D2, with both him and the rest of the council ignoring this district.
Good thing he’s going to get blown out in November. Hope he only sublet his place in Coronado. He can do the reverse of the homeless folks he sent across the bridge and head back there himself.
ANYONE BUT RICHARD P. BAILEY FOR DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL – the obvious and inevitable choice.
Several people want to blow a hole on the trash tax. Pointless point.
Hey D2, Richard is not republican. It’s obvious you have not gone on his website to find out his positions. I guess just another surrogate for Mandy which is why you will not be transparent and use your name. Very sad.
Not about party labels, but commitment to our district. If people are looking for someone to rock the boat at city hall, ok. But I’m voting for a member of my district who has deeper roots in the community. I’m so tired of politicians moving around town to get another elected gig.
Supporting Mandy, why Frank, I didn’t see that coming.
Question for you to ask Mandy:
If elected to D2 would she plddge to fight back against the municipal unions? Initiate a ruling to cut staffing by 40% and forego salary raises until the ciyy’s budget is balanced?
I doubt if she’d take such a Republican position as that broad sweep, Lisa. Unions are not the problem. It’s the developer-driven scandals and scams and the reluctance of those cemented into Gloria’s control of part of the Dem party to change or admit the truth, or to act more like Democrats and not Republicans.
Mandy’s endorsement says, Mandy has been advocating for months to cut the city’s middle management sector.
Circumventing the pension fix was sad on Todd.
Gee, Frank, I’m not republican, never have been but am a fiscal conservative. So, what you are condoning is the democrat candidates continuing to live above their means while in office under the control of the municipal unions, breaking the backs of taxpayers. I guess that’s ok with you as long as those feeding off the trove are democrats?
Interesting logic.
Weird that you say you’re not a Republican but consistently support their ideas (that got us here) and their language (like “democrat candidates”. They’re “democratic candidates” but clearly you’ve watched too much FOX News). I do however appreciate you having been wrong in every single election since I’ve been reading the comment section of the OB Rag. If Lisa puts money on black at the roulette wheel, I know red’s coming in for the win!
Sorry but every time I see the two words ‘fiscal conservative’ I need to refer to this… Search for “Two Santa Claus Theory” and Jude Wanniski. Is a fiscal conservative simply a conservative downplaying that fact? After all, in 2026 its practically immoral to be a ‘conservative’.
Frank, you really feel that the unions are not part of the problem? How is it possible for any elected official to strongly negotiate with the organization that represents voting citizens? Conflict of interest. Hasn’t been a reasonable contract in years and the unions have done nothing to help the city with the current fiscal problems. They’re as much of a contributor as the developers.
Why aren’t you all complaining about Josh or Nicole for taking PAC money from these bad actors and then the PACs go negative?
I objected to her broad sweep against “municipal unions.” Does that include the fire fighters’ union, the police officer’s association, the city attorneys’ association, the union that garbage collectors belong to? What about the union for park and rec workers, the lifeguards’ union?
Being anti-union is such a old-school Republican talking point, I object.
That does not mean I support certain unions that wield unduly amounts of influence due to huge donations to PACs. Plus I haven’t supported union leaders who assisted Jen Campbell with her Great Compromise on short-term rentals. Or union leaders accurately accused of sexual harassment allegations.
Like every institution, there are, proverbially, “good apples” and “bad apples” in unions. But overall, unions play a vital role in society and have paved the way for things we take for granted, like the 40-hour work week, the 8-hour day, vacations, workers’ compensation, better working conditions, bringing some democracy into the workplace.
You should be proud that other candidates are “complaining” about Bailey, that they perceive him as a threat to their winning.
I am not concerned that others think Bailey is a threat, but the unsubstantiated accusations and attacks is just plain bullying. But I guess people can lie and there will be suckers who will believe it.
MEA _ Municipal Employee Association. This is the organization that has taken control of our city hall, and our city hall has readily obliged. The MEA is the primary monster.
My main point is candidates should stay focused and tell us what they are\ going to do. I believe the council candidates should pledge to take a pay cut and also forgo any future salary increase until the budget is balanced. Cut their staffing by 20% as well.
Stop the D2 stays ‘Boohoo’
I heard Mandy Havlik state that she would reduce the number of City Council District 2 Staff members.
However, if Mandy gives back the District 2 City Council employe savings back to the City’s General Fund, then any reduction in staff saving will be lost into the Union’s $3-$4 BILLION pension hole.
Mandy has stated that saving from having a smaller D2 staff will be used within D2 for neighborhood projects.
According to the CY-2025 City Compensation Report:
The City Council President’s office has 16 City Council Administrative Positions, that include 5 non-union Middle Managers making up to $292,822 each.
Then each of the other 8 City Council Members have between 11-18 Staff Members each.
From what I heard, Mandy plans on having a limited amount of D2 staff and using any extra funds for District 2 neighborhoods projects.
I do not speak for Mandy.
These are just my personal thoughts to require a minimum of 9 Staff Members. Instead of the current 11 to 18 Staff Members.
At a minimum positions include: Chief of Staff, Council Assistant, Policy Coordinator, and Receptionist. Plus 5 Council Representative staff members. One for each neighborhood including:
1 for Clairemont;
1 for Old Town and Midway;
1 for Mission Beach and Mission Bay;
1 for Ocean Beach; and
1 for Point Loma.
How about the conflict of interest where Richard Bailey is going to be beholden to the beliefs of you and your husband instead of hard working union members who keep this city operational thanks to your super PAC? Fighting against working people by propping up a fake “indepedent” who’s clearly a Trump supporting MAGA fan, and spending huge sums to elect him while hiding his true beliefs because you know they’re absolute poision in this district, is really gross.
The only agreement we have with Richard is that we want nothing in return and that we don’t go negative. Anything else is either speculation or a lie. You all keep promoting your opinions as facts. There’s nothing to find here. Same as our agreement with Larry Turner. Why does no one ask him?
Carol, I am so sorry you, your husband, and Richard have to put up with such vitriol of hateful lies and posts. But I thank you and your husband for stepping up to support the best and most qualified candidate, Richard Bailey.
What people don’t know is that the position of mayor in Coronado is a part time position on a stipend. Even still, Richard managed to balance the budget in Coronado when he was termed out.
Richard stated, he could not afford a house when he worked for the city of Coronado but always wanted to purchase a home. After he was termed out, he decided to move to D2 and buy a home. After much looking, he bought a home in Pt Loma. Since he bought rather than rented, I would hardly call him a ‘carpet bagger’ since he was buying long term and establishing roots along with his small business.
How sad that he has moved into a neighborhood that chooses not to welcome him; or even speak to him and learn more about his policies and who he is. I guess it’s more fun to spew hatred and lies. Anyone who falls for these defamatory generalizations is very misguided. But I guess the point is to deflect from talking about the issues. I have never witnessed such mudslinging in a campaign as has happened with the D2 race. But Richard is a cut above and will maintain the high road. That’s why I am supporting Richard Bailey for D2.
I’ve asked you consistently what lies I’m telling about Richard and you’ve never responded because we know that he is –
A carpetbagger who barely had his dishes put away before he decided he wanted to run for office (anyone can move to D2 Lisa, but running for office in a place you’ve lived in for less than a few months is the definition of political carpetbagging). Also at a time when this city is more and more unaffordable, why would we want to bring in a guy who could do so little to help people in Coronado he himself had to move after he was just the mayor!
A Republican who voted for Trump three times
A power hungry individual who will give up his ideology (at least on the surface, nevermind he’s changed none of his positions) because he knows they’re toxic in this District
A problem causer who has no viable solutions and is in fact leading the city to bigger deficits by overturning the trash fee
A striver who will immediately start running for Mayor once he’s in office and clearly doesn’t care about this community as it’s only a launchpad for higher office (remember he’s talked about running for congress and other offices while in Coronado, even filed to run against Scott Peters)
For once and for all Lisa, tell me the lies or better yet have Maga Mayor Bailey, who we know lurks here, call me out on my lies by telling me how I’m wrong. I’ve been writing these posts for months and he’s yet to shoot them down, why shouldn’t we believe that what I’m saying is simply true?
Sorry D2, I won’t respond to your boohoo. There’s something about replying to a phantom that is meaningless. It’s like talking to a chat bot like GROCK with its temperamental outbursts. Sorry, civil conversations only based on transparency.
Carol tell me where I’m wrong about Richard Bailey. You obviously know him incredibly well. How many times did he vote for Trump? What policy beliefs have changes for him since he “left” the GOP? Where does he disagree with party he just left? He owes the people of D2 these answers so why don’t you give them to us since he’s too big of a coward to answer them.
Hi Lisa.
I know Mandy Havlik wants to Amend Article IX (Retirement) Section 143.1 of the San Diego City Charter to Delete the Unelected City Union’s automatic VETO vote on all Pension matters and Payments, and give the decision making and financial power back to the City Council where it belongs.
“Unless required by law or agreement, the measure eliminates existing requirements to obtain a majority vote of employees or retirees in the retirement system for changes affecting
their benefits.”
https://tinyurl.com/20260312b
These words came from Carl DeMaio Proposition. Instead of just changing this very important City Charter Section 143.1 VETO vote, Carl put in everything he ever wanted.
This small change in our City Charter Section 143.1 in 2012 was the only reason late former Mayor Filner had the unions sign a 5-year pensionable pay freeze on 06/30/2013, that would have ended the pension crisis forever by 2018.
Instead i-mayor Todd Gloria started using City Charter Section 117(a)17 to create Non-Union Middle Managers that were allowed to get 2x to 3x their original union pay by being exempt from Classified positions. The 5 year pensionable pay freeze never happened due to a legal loophole that is out of control. Now our Pension debt is higher than ever at $3 to $4 billion instead of being solved by 2018.
What about Richard Bailey ? Would Richard want to get rid of the Union’s VETO vote on anything pension related ?
You need to ask Richard this question. I’m sure he will have a ready answer.
Will Mandy agree to a 20% staffing and salary cut for the council and mayor’s office? Will she forego any increases until the deficit is eliminated, and the city budget is balanced?
The other areas to cut would be the City Attorney’s office (350 attorneys) and DSD (700 staff members). Of course, that barely even cracks the surface of workers to be cut but it is a start. Then add in making cuts on non-essential workers.
My point here is Mandy can be a community advocate but if there is no money at the city, she will not want to make promises she can’t keep.
It appears she is focused on Pt Loma/Ocean Beach which is the community where she lives. Has she plans for the other communities she serves and what are those goals?
How does cutting staff – who provide the services everyone is bemaoning losing – fix any of the problems our city has Lisa and instead make everything worse? Cutting off your nose to spite your face. Also before you mention middle managers the person most responsible for their explosion was… Kevin Faulconer, who endorsed Richard! Also he endorsed him because Trump supporters support each other too.
40%? Seems pretty arbitrary.
Across all Departments? 40% fewer Police, Firefighters. and Park and Rec?
It is a fact that Bailey is totally MAGA, a gun nut, harasses women and spent taxpayers dollars in frivolous lawsuits using city money- and was busy privatizing city services in Coronado. (Tennis courts!!)- he left our beaches and politics poisoned. He is wearing a cloaking device pretending to be independent. Coronado is a rich tiny wealthy town. San Diego is a huge city and requires actual public servants not carpetbaggers who moved there three months ago. Find the truth at https://richardbaileyforsandiego.com
Whoever created that website isn’t doing themselves any favors. The tone is extremely off-putting, I couldn’t get through 1/4 of it. And I say that as someone politically moderate that’s probably not going to support a carpetbagger who seems to be running mayor and not D2.
If you want to actually change anyone’s mind, try letting the facts speak for themselves and stay away from the hyperbole. It ruins credibility. Now if you just want to entertain those already won’t go near Bailey, that website is doing a fine job of that.
Bailey is a wolf in sheep’s clothing who recently moved out of Coronado just to run somewhere and keep his career politics going. He is a maga trump supporter who lied to everyone in town when he first ran, and he plays such dirty politics he ran unopposed his second term. He has a jet ski company… not economical experience ha ha! Do your homework people, He’s a bad dude who does not care about you only tourists.
Has anyone actually spotted Bailey in Point Loma/OB? Are we sure he lives here or does he “live” here in the same was Larry Turner did?
The fact that we do not see him supporting small businesses in district 2 says a lot about him.
ANYONE BUT RICHARD P. BAILEY FOR DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL – no MAGA for District 2
Mel, let’s get our facts straight, shall we? Bailey is not MAGA and he lives in D2. He also is a small business owner in D2 and has been for several years. What is his business, watercraft rentals. Is that ok with you or will you find something distasteful about that since he is not a democrat? I truly think nothing will please you but to spew lies is really very petty.
How many years is a few? Where is the business? Is it in Mission Beach? Is the mayo in my fridge older than Bailey’s connections to District 2? I ask with sincerity.
Best comment yet, kh. I laughed out loud. Thank you !!
Exactly! He has no commitment to the neighborhood, small businesses or residents. He simply believes we are the people he can hoodwink into giving him his next platform. We are not. Let’s be smart!
Of course he lives here. Bought a place in Pt Loma.
His voter registration says 92107…. Regardless, he isn’t showing up in PL or OB.
He’s trying to be the viral guy like Mamdani but without the charm because all he does is whine and complain. If there is nothing he likes about San Diego, why is he even here?
Side note, wish he was just renting because that would increase our chances of getting rid of him sooner. Just like Larry when he lost.
Bailey was at the Tuesday night candidate forum put on by the OB Planning Board.
That was essentially a business meeting for him and does not count as supporting local businesses.
I am simply pointing out that he does not seem interested in getting to know the business owners and voters in the district he wants to represent.
Please don’t fall for this.
As Mayor of Coronado, Bailey did not “build a reputation for focusing on policies over politics.” Just the opposite. He was the most politically divisive mayor we have ever had. He tore the community apart, trolling and bullying many of our best neighbors.
As for the environment, Bailey denied the problem of sewage in our beach waters for years, mocked a fellow council member when he did try to tackle the issue, going to Washington to recruit federal support. He refused to join the lawsuit with other cities. He refused to vote for a state of emergency, and was finally over-ruled by his council. He fought the water quality testing, and only joined in the conversation after a local non-profit organized beach rallies and invited the media. Once the cameras were on, he changed his tune. Meanwhile, a Navy sailor died, and many have become seriously ill, due to exposure.
As for this nonsense – “Bailey was also spot on when it came to tackling the regional issue of homelessness” – how severe do you think the problem of homelessness was in Coronado? It is non-existent. There was no problem to be solved.
In the rare case that one person decides to sleep in our parks, local law enforcement drives them to IB and drops them off. Yes, drops them off in another town. Is that really a solution? Bailey even offered this as his solution when he went on Fox to falsely claim he solved this non-existent problem.
Finally, unlike the city of San Diego, Coronado is a City Manager-based system. We have a team of people hired to run the city. This has given us greater stability and consistency in “maintaining infrastructure, keeping neighborhoods safe, and responsibly balancing the budget” long before Bailey ever arrived. Truly. Bailey inherited a city that was already well managed. That is why he came here. So he could claim he created that. He didn’t.
Look, District 2, we are glad to be rid of him. You can have him. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
It has been widely reported that Coronado does have a homeless problem solution. They pay for two shelter beds in San Diego, and when homeless people are encountered the Coronado PD escorts them across the bridge to San Diego. I don’t think that will work in the context of the San Diego homeless problem.
Thank you.
So says a PAC with funds from unions. They are going negative which really says a lot. Sort of pathetic.
We get it Carol, you hate unions and working people. Makes sense why you’d be supporting a Republican Trump supporter like Bailey.
What a load of political BS!
First, unlike San Diego, the Mayor of Coronado is not in charge of the budget; the City Manager is. Given the abundant revenues from property taxes and the hotel/hospitality industry, the city is always flush with cash. The manager submits a balanced budget, and the council votes on particular items. Like all members of the council, the mayor only gets one vote, and it’s equal to the others.
Bailey didn’t tackle the homeless issue because Coronado does not have a homeless problem. This is just more BS.
And calling Bailey nonpartisan is the laugh of the century! He is MAGA through and through, and politicized and divided Coronado from day one.
Sewage? He disparaged the county’s new and more accurate water testing to keep the mess under the radar while people kept getting sick from bacteria in the beach water.
If you live in District Two, beware! Bailey is a carpetbagger who doesn’t care one bit about you or your communities. He only cares about one thing: himself, and will only use D2 as a stepping stone to further his insatiable ambitions.
Larry it is nice hearing from you. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Just imagine this budget season if you were our Strong Mayor and leading us instead of Mayor Todd Gloria.
What is your take on Richard Bailey’s stance on giving away our Liberty Station NTC Park and $23 million in hoarded RDA Cash for NTC Channel improvement to private national lessee Seligman Property for $2 million in debt? Without analyzing or reading the Liberty Station NTC Park Agreement or the 4 year lawsuit filings, Richard Bailey automatically sided with private Billionaires over District 2 residents. All in the name of Republican talking points about Managed Competition. This is the only time in recent history that Mayor Todd Gloria was right and fought for the public’s interest.
Luckily the City will retain the property and its on it way to being free from taxing agency agreement, hopefully the lawsuit will end, and the $23 million can now be spent along the NTC chennel within the Park, instead of being sabotaged by the Liberty Station Master Lessee Seligman Property.
Since the issue of gifting Liberty Station NTC Park is almost already settled in the City of San Diego’s favor and we will keep the park public, please see if you could change Richard Bailey’s mind and have him take back his uninformed policy decision.
Only a fool would trust someone who gives up their party affiliation and moves to a new city to get elected.
Apologies Chris: No on Bailey
Fifth Column
LOL, one mulligan.
Bailey would just be a straight Carl DeMaio—lots of wrenches thrown in the works, no viable solutions. Talk is cheap,
I just would like to know if those who vote for party only will be happy when another Jen Campbell gets in and gives into every whim of the Mayor’s destructive agenda. Regardless of party, I think we all know we need change an that change is not the establishmnent candidates Coyne and Crosby. Some above say Bailey will get blown out in November, so why are you so concerned?
If you care about District 2 and won’t vote for Bailey then you must vote for Mandy Havlik. Both need to be in the runoff to save the district.
The biggest problem with Richard Bailey is this. He has every intention of running for Mayor in 2028. If you are not sure if this is true, ask him to commit to 4 years to this position.
If we elect him as Councilperson, he will spend the first year learning the job. Then he’ll spend the second year campaigning for Mayor and will be absentee. If he wins the Mayorship, then we’ll have to have a special election for another Councilperson, who won’t be elected for a few months after that.
Bottom line – If Bailey is elected to D2, and then to Mayor, D2 will once again have no representation of anyone who cares about D2. We’ve had this for 8 years with Jen Campbell. Didn’t we learn our lesson. Let’s elect someone who wants to represent D2, not someone who is using as as a short-term stepping stone.
Spot on, Glenn!
How do you know for certain, as that’s the way you present your opinion, that any of what you’ve posted, is true? Do you know him or have you even met him? Sources please or you too will be ignored.
Carol why do you think we’re all so obtuse as to not see what’s going on with him? The only thing Richard Bailey is transparent about is that he 1) knows being a Republican in 2026 is beyong politically toxic so he jettisoned his party without any of the beliefs (just look at his public statements and website – he supports ICE, he wants to reimpose Carl DeMaio austerity measures on San Diego, he does not care at all about climate change, he has not articulated ONE way that he’s broken with the Republican Party) and 2) he’ll do anything to get into power. You can keep ignoring the facts on the ground a believe that your big money can sway people with their misrepresentation of who he has ALWAYS been but we know that Richard is a carpetbagging MAGA Mayor who voted for Trump 3 times. In fact I’ll stop posting if Richard just posts on the Rag here, as Frank has made very clear they’ll take, 1) who Richard voted for in the last three presidential races and 2) what specific policies made him leave the GOP. Leaving a party you grew up in when you were very recently a central committee member is a huge deal and he should provide his reasons for giving up 20 years of his political identity. We deserve that!
Yes, I had a long lunch with the man and learned much about him, some I liked, some I didn’t agree with. But this one is a real sticking point for me. If I am wrong then Richard Bailey should put out a statement saying he commits to 4 years in this position and won’t run for Mayor before 2030. Actually, I think every candidate who runs for an office the first time should commit to the term of that office. Is that really too much to ask?
Carol, Lisa and D2staysBlue, just stop it, please! I think we are all tired of this pointless back-and-forth.
I don’t like liars. I haven’t lied nor have I bashed anyone else running. So Paul, because you asked so nicely, I will gladly leave. Perfect example of Blue MAGA, which is the other extreme of Red MAGA.
I agree with your every word, Carol.
Different perspectives and questions. Bailey is no Bernie (Independent). Bailey is very good using social media & talking points. Enough to sound believable. Will cutting middle managers be enough to pay for his promises? Will the pension crisis that contributed heavily to America’s Fiscal Pity ever be addressed? Can anyone who supported the president more than once be considered ‘best qualified’?