Reliable sources say the Kehoe campaign is telling supporters this week she will pass up a race for Mayor. That rumor has been out there, but our account is based on independent information gathering. So, if Kehoe ultimately does step aside for SD Mayor, what would be next ?
The draft June 10 State redistricting maps offer an intriguing potential Congressional race between Rep. Brian Bilbray and Chris Kehoe. Our colleagues at San Diego Politico floated that balloon last week. (“Now, Chris can replicate Susan Davis’ success at beating Brian Bilbray for Congress” the Democratic website wrote). In fact, Bilbray and Kehoe have already battled once over a similar House district in 1998, with Bilbray winning: by a 90,516 to 86,400 count, or 48.8% to 46.6 %. Their 1998 contest is considered a Local Classic by veteran observers.
Ms. Kehoe is term-limited from the California state senate next year. In Las Vegas terms, I believe Brian Bilbray would be a 6-point favorite in the draft congressional district as most recently drawn, but he would be pressed by an energetic challenger if the match-up eventually happens.
Stay tuned for more election developments at SD Rostra where we are Live, Local and Late Breaking!
Comments 4
Then why did Kehoe just open a mayoral committee four days ago?
A very fair question. Filing a committee statement of organization is a legally required step before accepting campaign donations for a particular office. The Kehoe
“exploratory” committee did that June 21, four days ago, just as you write. Sometimes this means the candidate will actually run for the office, sometimes not.
In looking at her campaign website, however, the most recent entry on their blog is May 7, and the last press release is dated June 11. Also June 11 for links to stories mentioning their campaign.
Independently, I am hearing that the Kehoe camp is telling important backers that this option will not be pursued.
Candidates change their minds, of course, and with the whirlwind of State redistricting still in process, there will be many mid-course corrections.
Darn. The opportunity in a mayoral campaign to review Kehoe’s abysmal record as San Diego city council critter would have been time well spent. No way she could have won, but the chance to let San Diegans know what she bequeathed us would be a valuable lesson for “her” electorate.
UPDATE: Chris Kehoe made it official tonight.
She will not run for SD Mayor. But stand by for what she WILL run for 2012 !