Bad Debts to Self

Democratic state senator Juan Vargas, whom many regard as a virtual shoo-in for Congress after his victory last month over ex–state senator Denise Ducheny, a fellow Democrat, still has a few major bills outstanding from his last try for a congressional seat, which he lost to incumbent Democrat Bob Filner back in June 2006. According to the most recent filing of his 2006 campaign committee, dated July 13 of this year, the fund owes Vargas himself $119,230 that the candidate personally loaned the campaign. Other 2006 creditors include the Encinitas firm of Grice Lund & Tarkington ($8698.49) and San Diego’s Beth Herms ($500).