The district attorneys of Riverside and San Diego counties on Friday, Feb. 18, withdrew their endorsements of the re-election bid of Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer after allegations that Spitzer made racially charged remarks during his review of a potential death penalty case.

A leaked memo written by former Senior Assistant District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh concerning an Oct. 1 meeting regarding the case of a Black man accused of killing a White couple in Newport Beach said that prosecutors discussed defendant Jamon Buggs‘ record of domestic violence. Spitzer inquired about the race of Buggs’ previous girlfriends.

According to Baytieh’s memo, he and prosecutor Eric Scarbrough told Spitzer the question was inappropriate to consider in the discussion. The memo said Spitzer disagreed and said he “knows many black people who enhance their status by only dating ‘white women.’ “

Spitzer, in a response to the resulting criticism that he provided to the judge in the case, explained that he was simply trying to determine potential racial overtones and other mitigating factors such as cross-racial misidentification.

That apparently was not enough to satisfy Riverside County DA Mike Hestrin.

“The news of the comments and actions of Mr. Spitzer was shocking, disappointing and in the end inexcusable,” Hestrin said in a statement provided by his campaign manager, Tobin Holmes. “Regardless of the good work Mr. Spitzer and his office have done in the past, I cannot in good conscience support his future candidacy.  Residents of Orange County, and all of California’s counties, deserve leaders who appeal to our better angels rather than past divides. It is for these reasons that I must retract my endorsement of Mr. Spitzer in his re-election campaign.”

Hestrin, reached by phone on Friday, declined to elaborate.

San Diego DA Summer Stephan did not explain why she withdrew her endorsement.

“I can confirm San Diego DA Summer Stephan rescinded her endorsement of DA Spitzer. It would be inappropriate to comment further on this matter as it intersects with a criminal case,” campaign manager Dan Rottenstreich said.

Spitzer, through campaign spokesman Tim Lineberger, said he will still support Hestrin and Stephan, who also are seeking re-election in 2022.

“It’s unfortunate to see people react based on misrepresentations or lack of information altogether. Nonetheless, these prosecutors are my colleagues and I would never let them or their communities suffer against the Soros funded and woke candidates who are trying to throw them out of office,” Spitzer said.

“The exact same thing is happening in Orange County and I will not let it happen. This is all part of a radical movement across America that will destroy our country if we don’t stop it, and I wish Mike and Summer the best as we all fight to take back our communities.”

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