CONGRESSMAN BOB FILNER TAKES LEAD IN SAN DIEGO’S MAYOR’S RACE

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

November 7, 2012 (San Diego)-- As we left the Lincoln Club Party downtown late this evening, Carl DeMaio was in the lead and had just faced the press to note that “We do not have the final outcome.” This was about two hours ago, and as of now Congressman Bob Filner has gained a slim lead at 50.37% with Carl DeMaio trailing at 49.63% with 78% of precincts counted. This race is as tight as it can get.

Carl DeMaio talked to the press about his successes on the Council, including his reform agenda, that in his view “brought the city back from the brink of bankruptcy.” He also pledged that if elected mayor, he will continue to serve the city and “run a government without labels” if elected.  He said these labels, wether these are democrat, republican, gay, straight, white or latino, white collar, or blue collar, are just divisive and we need to move to a post label city. 

He also said, at the end of his press conference, that he pledged “as Mayor, or other capacity, to continue to serve the city.” 

Filner, speaking when earlier results showed DeMaio ahead, told media that “People in this community know that I’m on their side.”  He said that if he wins, some new people will be “at the table” in San Diego including “working people, people who care about the environment, people who care about their neighborhoods.”  He also reaffirmed his goals for sustainable energy and creating competition for SDG&E, adding, “SDG&E will do anything to keep me from being Mayor.”

While early results reflected mail-in ballots and early voting at the Registrar’s office, later results reflect votes cast at precincts.  “Bob’s campaign has been good at getting out the vote,”   Democrat Richard Barrera, a member of the San Diego Unified School Board, told ECM.

We caution our readers that these numbers can still change. And that neither candidate conceded the election tonight. So as they say, stay tuned.