As NFL training camps open (Go Steelers!), we bring you an NFL-themed political tidbit about our favorite statewide candidate who is an ex-NFL player, Mimi Walters….er, we mean Damon Dunn.

It’s official: The GOP CA Secretary of State nominee is pretty close to locking up all the key NFL endorsements in this year’s SOS race. The latest: NY Giants coach Tom Coughlin. No, Coach C isn’t a California resident. He lives near the field during the season, in Florida during the off-season.

Yet in a note to DD, Coughlin, who coached Dunn on the Jacksonsville Jags, said:

“Damon was a joy to coach — always had a great attitude, an abundance of enthusiasm, and incredible energy for everything! He is very smart and was always like a sponge in terms of learning. Damon was very involved with community service — constantly volunteering and never had to be pushed – he had a true sense of wanting to give back and once he started something, he always finished the task. It is not surprising at all to me that he has been so successful in his life.

The reason there’s not a lot of football mentioned in that mash note: Dunn played for the Jaguars in during the 1998 season — and was on the practice squad the entire season. “Then,” he tells us “I was with them the entire off season and was released in training camp during the 1999 season. I was with coach Coughlin for two off seasons and one season.”

But, this is not about football, DD tells us:

“The story line here is that Damon Dunn is reaching leaders among leaders. These men and women are leading in the real world, not influenced by quid pro quo, and see leadership qualities in me,” Dunn wrote.

“The San Francisco 49′rs were turned around by Bill Walsh because he was a strong leader. The civil rights movement made it’s greatest progress under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership is the bridge between dysfunctional government and functional government. Contrast this against teams such as the Oakland Raiders that lack strong leadership,” said DD.

Only DD could link MLK and the Raiders.

But indulge us for a moment, as DD breaks down — at our request — how our beloved six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers will fare without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for four to six games. Let us say unequivocally: NO CALIFORNIA CANDIDATE breaks down the NFL like DD:

“Assuming Ben is out 6 weeks, the Steelers will go 3 and 2. They play three home games and have a bye week at week 5. Charlie Batch or Byron Leftwich should be able to lead them beyond the Falcons, Browns, and Bucs. I think they lose to Tennessee on road and to the Ravens at home. Though, I think the Ravens are weak in the secondary because Foxworth tore his ACL and is out for the season; Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are dealing with injuries and safety Ed Reed, who had hip surgery in the offseason, will start the season on the physically unable to perform list. The Steelers could win this game if Batch or Leftwich are playing well. However, they could lose to the Falcons if Gonzales adds another dimension to that offense this year…

“Injuries, quarterback play, chemistry, big plays, turnovers and other factors will determine the outcomes. Taking all of these things into account, I think the Steelers emerge with a 3 and 2 record while Rohlisberger sits out.”

We’ll take that. Game on: Let’s see Secretary of State Debra Bowen break down the NFL like that.

Read Original Article at SFGate.com

Republican California Secretary of State candidate Damon Dunn landed a big name free agent today with the endorsement of former San Francisco 49er Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott, who praised the Irvine businessman and former NFL player as a man who “represents what America is all about.”

Lott delivered the glowing endorsement today, saying that Dunn’s life — a former impoverished kid from the Deep South who became an NFL player and then a business success — underscores “the future of our state.”

Dunn, speaking to us a few minutes ago, said he’s charged up to receive the backing of a “leader among leaders” whom he’s long admired. And one, he adds, who supported Democrat Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign.

“I think in an era when we talk about bipartisanship and reaching both sides of the aisle, I’m exemplifying that,” Dunn said.

Dunn, the first time California candidate and GOP former NFL player, said that he met Lott “when (the late 49er coach) Bill Walsh recruited me for Stanford; Ronnie was on my recruiting trip in 1994.”

Dunn became close friends with Lott’s son at a Harvard Business School entreprenuership prgram, and when he became a candidate for Secretary of State, he said Lott made the time to hold some long conversations with him about his goals and his political future.

Lott, in his endorsement, said that “from his humble beginnings growing up in deep poverty in the South to his hard work and admission to Stanford University, NFL career and many achievements in business and public services afterwards, Damon has an incredible story. But what separates him really is the content of his character, his faith, intellect and what’s inside of his heart.”

More Lott: “This is exactly why I’m excited for the future of our state, as Damon takes on his next endeavor of bringing new leadership to California and a positive vision for our communities and our citizens. I am proud to stand by his side; I am proud to follow him.”

Dunn, you may recall, raised some eyebrows when we first reported his candidacy last year and broke the story that he had never voted — in his life — until May 2009. But since then, he’s talked openly about being a “recovering” non-voter and upped his game, while winning some major backing and endorsements from big party insiders.

Today, he’s got a press conference going in Bell, California — site of that headline-grabbing city salary scandal — to whack at incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Debra Bowen.

Stay tuned.

Read Original Article at SFGate.com

From:          Bryan Watkins, Campaign Manager For Damon Dunn

Date:           Monday, May 17, 2010

This has been a very busy and exciting week for our campaign as we move closer to our goal of helping Damon Dunn become the Republican nominee for California Secretary of State.

We received endorsements from The Long Beach Press Telegram, The Torrance Daily Breeze, The San Francisco Chronicle, Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates and from the California Small Business Association.

Damon also met with the Bakersfield Republican Women Federated, attended an Athletes for Education dinner, addressed the Inyo County Republican Party, the Lincoln Club of Cochella Valley and held more radio interviews and meetings with newspaper reporters.

The Torrance Daily Breeze & Long Beach Press Telegram: “On the Republican ballot, businessman Damon Dunn would be pragmatic and effective in this office.”

Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates: “Damon Dunn is a proven, successful small businessman, a licensed minister, and citizen who has long-dedicated himself to the service of others. As a tireless community leader, Damon has managed programs designed to help underprivileged Latino and African-American students. He currently runs a parent education advocacy program in Santa Ana.  Damon Dunn embodies that spirit of service that California needs in its next Secretary of State.”

Small Business Association: “On behalf of the 203,000 members of the California Small Business Association, we are pleased to advise you that our organization has endorsed you for election to Secretary of State. We believe your commitment to the future of small business is deserving of the support from our organization and you will do a great job representing us effectively in your area. Your commitment to hold a Small Business Advisory Council meeting if elected proves your commitment and dedication to small business.”

San Francisco Chronicle: “Now, as a candidate for the Republican nomination, Dunn cited increased voter participation as one of his priorities. Dunn also pledged to undertake a more comprehensive review of voting machines (he believes incumbent Debra Bowen may have invalidated them prematurely), assure the integrity of the voting process and conduct “exit interviews” with businesses leaving the state. Dunn comes across as a candidate with energy, ideas and a grasp of the office’s responsibilities. … Dunn is much more focused on the actual duties of the office, and he would provide a more credible challenge to Bowen. He should get the GOP nomination.”

San Mateo Daily Journal: CBS-5 News- San Francisco, Eye Witness News- Bakersfield:Dunn, 34, has a long list of GOP endorsements…Dunn believes his personal history also will resonate with California voters. After a childhood he says was spent living in “dire poverty” in a trailer with 10 people in Texas, he got a football scholarship to Stanford University, where he played wide receiver from 1994 to 1998. … Asked how he would shake up the Capitol, Dunn has fixated on the secretary of state’s responsibility for maintaining business filings. He sayshe would devote at least one full-time staff position to conducting ‘exit interviews’ of companies leaving the state and then share that information with state lawmakers. ‘To compete with other states — and even just to retain the businesses we have — we need to understand how many companies we’re losing per sector, and why,’ he said.”

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With less than a month left in this primary election, we need to make sure our campaign finishes strong, so please visit our website for the latest news and updates from Damon as he continues his conversation with Californians about a better way forward and a brighter future for the Golden State.  Damon can’t do it without you – stay involved and help us deliver our message to all corners of California. Paid For by Damon Dunn for Secretary of State 2010, FPPC ID #1322750 ]]> http://www.damondunn.com/2010/05/17/damon-dunn-%e2%80%9cfocused-would-provide-credible-challenge-to-bowen%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 http://www.damondunn.com/2010/05/10/the-chronicle-recommends-damon-dunn/ http://www.damondunn.com/2010/05/10/the-chronicle-recommends-damon-dunn/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 07:31:38 +0000 Damon Dunn http://www.damondunn.com/?p=427

The Chronicle recommends Damon Dunn
San Francisco Chronicle

May 10, 2010

Damon Dunn, a 34-year-old Orange County real estate developer, is well aware of the first obstacle facing his candidacy for secretary of state: his failure to vote in any election until May 2009.

“No good reason, no excuses,” Dunn said. Now, as a candidate for the Republican nomination, Dunn cited increased voter participation as one of his priorities. He believes his own history of nonvoting will make him a more persuasive advocate, especially with Californians from similarly impoverished backgrounds.

Dunn also pledged to undertake a more comprehensive review of voting machines (he believes incumbent Debra Bowen may have invalidated them prematurely), assure the integrity of the voting process and conduct “exit interviews” with businesses leaving the state.

Dunn comes across as a candidate with energy, ideas and a grasp of the office’s responsibilities.

…

Dunn is much more focused on the actual duties of the office, and he would provide a more credible challenge to Bowen. He should get the GOP nomination

Read Entire Article: The Chronicle recommends Damon Dunn

# # # Paid For by Damon Dunn for Secretary of State 2010, FPPC ID #1322750 ]]> http://www.damondunn.com/2010/05/10/the-chronicle-recommends-damon-dunn/feed/ 0 http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/28/damon-dunn%e2%80%99s-story-inspires-the-crowd/ http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/28/damon-dunn%e2%80%99s-story-inspires-the-crowd/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:09:35 +0000 Damon Dunn http://www.damondunn.com/?p=424

Damon Dunn Shares His Story of Success To The Crowd That Gathered at Liberty Bell on Truxtun Avenue April 15
The Runner

By: Ashton Summers, Staff Writer
April 27, 2010

…

The event held a wide variety of speakers including Sarah Madsen who is a current Liberty High School student, and Damon Dunn, an honors graduate from Stanford University who went on to make millions in real-estate after his career in the NFL.Like the range in speakers and attendees, the subject matter of the event was also very diverse …

If only everybody in Congress could “get along” and find a “common ground”. “Common ground is rooted in appeasement. Principled leaders understand the difference between higher ground, and common ground,” said Dunn.

Dunn was fine with the fact of people not getting along. He looked at our history and explained how different life would be if we all just “got along.”

He built his argument on key questions such as.

“What if Lincoln just tried to find common ground between the free states and the slave states with Steven Douglas’ proposal of the Kansas Nebraska Act?”

“What if George Washington and his band of rebels found common ground with the British and their taxation without representation?”

“Why do I have to strive to be politically correct in a free nation,” said Madsen.

Hoping to inspire the Tea Party, Dunn shared the story of his success.

He was born to a 16-year-old mother, his father died when he was three, and by age 16, three of his friends had been murdered. Yet he went from a life of abject poverty to graduating with honors from Stanford.

“At some point the individual has to understand that achievement comes down to the individual. The government will never spend you into being responsible,” said Dunn.

Read Entire Article: Damon Dunn’s Story Inspires The Crowd

# # #

Stanford Alum Runs for California Secretary of State
The Stanford Review

By: Catherine Lowell
April 23, 2010

If the 2008 elections are any guide, African American Republicans are in short supply, particularly inCalifornia, and particularly in high office. In 2010, Californians may witness a change.

Just thirty years ago, Damon Dunn ‘98 was a hungry child growing up in dire poverty in Fort Worth, Texas. Today, he is an accomplished businessman hoping to oust incumbent Debra Brown forCalifornia Secretary of State. His biography is compelling, and has drawn supporters to him.

Born to a 16-year-old single mother, Dunn grew up in a three-bedroom trailer that housed ten people. By the time he was three, his father had died in a car crash; by the time he was sixteen, three of his best friends had been murdered. Damon subsisted upon syrup sandwiches, Salvation Army clothes, and the dream that one day, he would be able to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

His hard work paid off. An honors student in high school, Damon was also recognized as a TexasAll-State Football player, and eventually received a scholarship to attend Stanford. His football career as a wide receiver was impressive, earning him All-Pac 10 Honors, the NCAA Academic Scholarship and the NFL and College Hall of Fame Award. Despite his commitment to football, Dunn was a diligent student. He still remembers beginning papers weeks before they were due and spending hours perfecting Economics problem sets in his TA’s office.

After Stanford, Dunn played for the NFL before starting his own real estate firm. However, despite his rags-to-riches story, Dunn still remembers what it was like to wake up hungry each morning. He credits his leadership and vision to his childhood experience.

“For my entire life, I have had to do more with less. I came here as a poor kid with a good work ethic, and went on to start my own successful small business. I want to make sure that this opportunity is available to others,” Dunn reflected.

To Dunn, whose family received welfare when he was a child, this opportunity does not come from the government.

“The government is a safety net, not a trampoline. Upward mobility comes from individual responsibility,” Dunn insists. “That’s the Republican message: personal ingenuity and innovation. The government can never spend you into success.”

An entrepreneur, Dunn recognizes the importance of California businesses and the danger of their continued departure from the state. He plans to analyze which businesses are fleeing California and why, and to institute reforms aimed at bringing them back.

Another central platform of his campaign is to increase voter participation. Currently, there are 23 million registered voters in California; however, only 16 million vote.

“Has any Secretary of State in the past fifty years travelled to the inner cities to register people to vote?” he asks. “I will go to these parts of the state and register people personally.”

Despite running as a Republican, Dunn maintains that he is a bipartisan candidate.

“I simply believe in the data and the facts. I don’t care if an idea originates from a Democrat or a Republican. In study groups at Stanford, we never asked each other about party affiliation. We just listened to each other’s input on problem sets.”

Dunn’s Stanford experience has been crucial to his success, both in politics and in the business world. His political allies include Stanford faculty and Hoover Fellows: Michael Boskin, John Cogan, George Schultz, and Peter Robinson. His connections at Stanford have provided more than political advocates, however. Dunn met his business partner in Branner, his freshman dorm.

Dunn offers advice to all Stanford students on how to achieve their dreams.

“You have to dream big and plan small. You will not drift into success. Success is intentional. You must plan your work and work your plan.”

Read Entire Article: Stanford Alum Runs for California Secretary of State

# # # Paid For by Damon Dunn for Secretary of State 2010, FPPC ID #1322750 ]]> http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/27/stanford-alum-runs-for-california-secretary-of-state-the-stanford-review/feed/ 0 http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/26/damon-dunn-%e2%80%9ca-vision-message-that-californians-need-to-hear-more-of%e2%80%9d/ http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/26/damon-dunn-%e2%80%9ca-vision-message-that-californians-need-to-hear-more-of%e2%80%9d/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:27:20 +0000 Damon Dunn http://www.damondunn.com/?p=413 Memo:  Damon Dunn, “A Vision & Message That Californians Need To Hear More Of”

From:  Bryan Watkins, Campaign Manager, Damon Dunn for Secretary of State 2010

Date:  Monday, April 26, 2010

“California’s problems are not self correcting types of problems. We will not drift into balanced budgets.  It will take the intentional efforts of leaders that are willing to ignore the skeptics that say our state is not governable and problems are not manageable.

“When we elect principled leaders that can lead 360 degrees, we can start to get beyond the gridlock that we face in our state government and we can begin to pull people together to work on our problems and develop solutions.”

Damon was also recently endorsed by Congressman John Campbell and the California Citrus Mutual Board of Directors:

“Damon Dunn’s commitment to creating jobs, and protecting the integrity of our voting systemby requiring voter identification, make Damon the right choice for California’s next Secretary of State,” said Congressman John Campbell. “Damon is dedicated to our community, he is an example of our state’s principles in action – helping bridge the gap between possibility and opportunity.”

California Citrus Mutual’s directors have unanimously agreed to endorse Damon Dunn in his effort to become California’s Secretary of State.  California Citrus Mutual’s (CCM) Chairman David Roberts notes, “When I first met Damon he offered a vision and message that we Californians need to hear more of; work hard, persevere and don’t rely on government to fix your problems.”

What Are They Saying About Damon Dunn:

RED COUNTY: “Dunn’s experience in his community allows us to measure him in the same way. Who cares if he accumulated the skills that we find attractive in candidates outside of the political system—as a professional athlete, preacher, businessman, and philanthropist? … To reach disengaged youths, Dunn needs to look no further than his own experience. He grew up in poverty in a trailer that housed 10 people. But he persevered by earning good grades and excelling at sports, reaching Stanford, the NFL, starting his own business, and now is a burgeoning statesman. He’s an example of someone who succeeded, and it’s within anyone’s grasp.”

WILLOWS JOURNAL: “The most energetic speech of the night came first. Damon Dunn, candidate for California Secretary of State, spoke to the heart of Glenn County Republicans when he talked about getting up early in the morning as a child to ‘slop hogs.’ … His call to the party was to focus on “self-reliance, accountability and individual responsibility,” when dealing with the states main problems — “taxes, pensions and education.” He said what the country and the state need is ‘principal leaders who can galvanize people and lead 360 degrees.’”

Looking Ahead:

Damon will begin this week addressing the Stanford University student body, in Palo Alto.  He then heads out to Contra Costa, and he will be on “The Drive With Steve Jaxon, KSRO 1350, at 3:30 PM on Monday, April 26, 2010.  Then it is back on the road to Sacramento and the entire Bay Area.

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With less than two months left in this primary election, we need to make sure our campaign finishes strong, so please visit our website for the latest news and updates from Damon as he continues his conversation with Californians about a better way forward and a brighter future for the Golden State.  Damon can’t do it without you – stay involved and help us deliver our message to all corners of California. Paid For by Damon Dunn for Secretary of State 2010, FPPC ID #1322750 ]]> http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/26/damon-dunn-%e2%80%9ca-vision-message-that-californians-need-to-hear-more-of%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/22/dunn%e2%80%99s-unorthodox-political-experience-is-a-ticket-to-go-where-others-can%e2%80%99t-red-county/ http://www.damondunn.com/2010/04/22/dunn%e2%80%99s-unorthodox-political-experience-is-a-ticket-to-go-where-others-can%e2%80%99t-red-county/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:42:07 +0000 Damon Dunn http://www.damondunn.com/?p=411 Dunn’s Unorthodox Political Experience Is A Ticket To Go Where Others Can’t

Red County

By Eric Ingemunson

April 21, 2010

…

No, Dunn isn’t your typical candidate. He virtually has no political experience in the traditional sense. But, as he told me, “I’ve never separated politics from service. I served my community my whole life.”

…

Dunn’s experience in his community allows us to measure him in the same way. Who cares if he accumulated the skills that we find attractive in candidates outside of the political system—as a professional athlete, preacher, businessman, and philanthropist?

His detractors will point to the fact that he failed to vote prior to 2009 as evidence that he’s a political novice, as if 2010 is going to be a great year to be an incumbent. But rather than let this be his Achilles Heel, he’s spun this weakness into one of his greatest strengths by challenging incumbent Debra Bowen to meet him in a series of debates in urban areas with low voter registration rates. After all, who would no better about voter apathy than he?

He says the Oakland Tribune agreed to sponsor the debates, but his opponent hasn’t responded to the challenge. Dunn feels the debates would raise awareness about registering to vote among the minority, apathetic youth, a segment of the population that he identifies with—and more importantly, they would identify with him. He might be one of the few people with the credibility who can deliver a conservative message that would resonate with those who are traditionally overlooked by Republicans.

…

To reach disengaged youths, Dunn needs to look no further than his own experience. He grew up in poverty in a trailer that housed 10 people. But he persevered by earning good grades and excelling at sports, reaching Stanford, the NFL, starting his own business, and now is a burgeoning statesman. He’s an example of someone who succeeded, and it’s within anyone’s grasp.

“Education is the golden ticket,” Dunn said.

He would have more credibility than Debra Bowen with the non-voting community, due to his energetic personality and a biographical story that relates to them. Dunn knew he could do it, and knows others can, too.

In short, the very reason he can be a successful Secretary of State is precisely because he violates the “requirements” of traditional candidates.

Entire Article: Damon Dunn, A Ticket To Go Where Others Can’t