What gives with San Diego and crooked politicians?

First we have the bribing of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the congressman from San Diego who will not run for reelection in 2006 because of the investigations into apparent bribes he has been receiving.

Now we have the mayor of San Diego removed from office on Monday, his first day on the new job.

This report is from the San Jose Mercury News (sigh-in required)

"ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press

SAN DIEGO - In the latest blow to a city awash in scandal, a federal jury on Monday convicted San Diego's new acting mayor and a city councilman of taking illegal campaign cash from a strip club owner who tried to lift a ban preventing nude dancers and patrons from touching.

Michael Zucchet, who became interim mayor over the weekend, was found guilty of conspiracy, extortion and fraud on his first business day in office. He was immediately suspended from office, his attorney said.

Councilman Ralph Inzunza, who was convicted of the same charges, also was suspended.

The jury also returned guilty verdicts against former Clark County, Nev., Commissioner Lance Malone, who worked for strip club owner Michael Galardi to repeal San Diego's "no-touch" ban in strip clubs."

My first suspicion is that San Diego is awash in Republican politicians.