Lawyers for the Santa Clara County supervisor cite irregularities, including breaches of confidentiality and discrimination, in San Diego County’s search for a new top administrative officer.

Labor union members rallied outside the San Diego County administration building on Tuesday, pushing for Chavez' appointment to the county’s top staff position.

The fortunes of Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez in San Diego appeared to have dimmed, as business and community leaders and county Republicans advocated for a local administrator with knowledge of San Diego County and no ties to the organized labor and partisan Democrat connections that had initially pushed Chavez for the job a year ago.

Cindy Chavez was the top choice in May for San Diego County administrator, but the county won't say if she is still an applicant for the position, or if she needs to reapply. Chavez isn't responding to questions about the San Diego job.

Cindy Chavez’ strong Democratic Party and organized labor credentials had vaulted the Santa Clara County supervisor to the top of the list of candidates for Chief Administrative Officer, but these strengths could prove to be her undoing.