Jerry Brown files papers to explore run for governor

Jerry Brown dropped the fiction that he was seeking reelection as state attorney general and filed papers today to explore a run for governor, a job he first won in 1974 and has for months been fighting hard, if quietly, to recapture.

Brown’s move was born of necessity: Contributions to candidates for attorney general are capped at $6,500 per election for individual donors, but gubernatorial contestants can accept up to $25,900.

“If he chooses to run, it will make him more competitive against a deep-pocketed Republican opponent,” said Steven Glazer, a senior advisor to Brown, a Democrat.

Two of the three Republicans now running are multimillionaires.

By all appearances, the former Oakland mayor and three-time presidential candidate chose long ago to run for governor in 2010. But by keeping it unofficial, Brown has minimized his inevitable clash with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the lone major Democrat in the June primary.

“This coy act that he’s been going through for months has been getting a little stale,” said Newsom strategist Garry South. “He’s basically used it to avoid answering questions, to avoid taking positions.”

Brown, who often brushes aside questions on the governor’s race by saying he is focused on his current job, will likely wait until next year to decide whether to run, Glazer said.

-- Michael Finnegan

Comments

[stewart]

Mr South is a bit amusing his own self...I mean after all? Browns positions views and actions are a matter of decades long public record, why there have even been examples of Jerry Brown even rethinking some?
Mr Newsome on the other hand? I am sorry? There is no there there, except of course the notoriety attached to his name?
but it is really not about that after all, it is really about the state of California and who is best prepared to assume the executive position, in all candor and honesty who can argue with a straight face Brown is not well qualified & prepaired?
Dare I say? 1-800-426-1112

[25or6to4]

Awesome. I hope Feinstein doesn't run.

[sheila]

Jerry, Babe, if you promise to immediately implement generous feed in tariffs so that we can finally democratize the power grid and normal Californians can finally be PAID for producing more clean power than we use, right where the power is needed, on our own roofs, you will be guaranteed tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of votes from the REPUBLICANS who want clean energy, not to mention the millions of votes from the Dems and Greens.

This is a huge, huge issue that is not getting enough attention, and you already spoke in favor of feed in tariffs, so it's time to bring it on home!

Property values, jobs, incomes, ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions - they are all drastically improved with FITS, and all drastically harmed with Big Solar, Big Wind and Big Transmission - can you PLEASE fight for us on this?

thanks!

[Leon W Fainstadt]

Jerry Brown will win! He is a great human being and has done a great job as Calif. State Attorney General and did a great job in Oakland.

Jerry Brown has deep roots in California and all Californians should rally to his cause.
California has suffered tremendously during the current financial meltdown, and it's not over yet folks, and Brown knows his way around this state.

His dad was great and he will bring California back from the brink. Bravo Jerry Brown!

[Leon W Fainstadt]

If anyone thinks the financial crisis in America is over think again. Nothing could be further from the truth. We need to read between the lines and not allow the talking heads to stampede us back into the markets. Save your money.

[Voter]

Did anyone else start humming the Dead Kennedys song when they read this? Hmmm?

[Voter]

California uber alles!

[Bobby Sammons]

Didn't he screw the state up bad enough the first time...Just say no to scary Jerry!

[Frank]

Jerry Brown for Governor? He did nothing with the investigation into police corruption by the Maywood Police Department. Yes, they have a new chief but remember the old saying: New chief, same results. Some say he is just as bad as others. I guess the people of Maywood will have to make the changes in November!