The national Democratic Party chairman disavowed his candidacy , instead endorsing incumbent four - term Republican Clair Burgener .
In 1980 , Metzger won the Democratic Party nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives with over 40,000 votes in a San Diego - area district .
The national Democratic Party chairman disavowed Metzger 's candidacy , instead endorsing incumbent four - term Republican Clair Burgener .
In 1980 , Metzger won the Democratic Party nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives with over 40,000 votes in a San Diego - area district .