Endorses Aguirre for Council Seat : Danny Martinez Drops Out of 8th District Race

The crowded field for the San Diego City Council’s 8th District seat narrowed Wednesday as candidate Danny Martinez dropped out of the race and said he would support Michael Aguirre.

Martinez, 39, a businessman and former aide to ex-Councilman Uvaldo Martinez (no relation), cited financial considerations.

“We realize that we just didn’t have enough money for the final push,” said Martinez. He said that he had spent about $4,000 on the campaign.

Martinez said that of the remaining candidates, Aguirre appeared most sensitive to the needs of the district, which stretches south from Hillcrest through downtown to Otay Mesa and the border area of San Ysidro.

Aguirre, who appeared with Martinez at a San Ysidro news conference, said he welcomed Martinez’s support. He stressed Martinez’s knowledge of the district.

“From a practical political viewpoint, I think that this could have a major impact in the race,” said Aguirre, a 37-year-old lawyer.

Martinez’ departure leaves eight candidates for the Sept. 15th primary for the seat now held by appointed Councilwoman Celia Ballesteros, who is not a candidate. The council named Ballesteros to succeed Uvaldo Martinez, who resigned after pleading guilty to felony charges stemming from his misuse for personal expenses of a city-issued credit card.