Killea Tells Her Backers She Won’t Run for Mayor

State Sen. Lucy Killea said Wednesday that she will not enter the San Diego mayor’s race next year.

Killea’s decision ends months of speculation about her plans and attempts by supporters to draw her into the race against expected candidates Susan Golding, a county supervisor, and San Diego City Councilman Ron Roberts.

“On balance, when I consider how to make the best use of my experience, skills and relationships in government, I have to weigh which choice offers me the greatest prospect for making the best contribution,” Killea (D-San Diego) said in a letter sent to more than 100 supporters.

“My answer is that I should continue working in the Senate to achieve my program, and that running for mayor would best be left to someone other than me,” the letter continued.

In an interview, Killea said she was not deterred from running by the prospect of presiding over a divided City Council with a recent history of acrimony. “I think it could be calmed down quite a bit if there were lots of communication,” she said.

Killea also said she believes that she would fare well in a race against Golding and Roberts in the nonpartisan primary next June.

Killea’s decision leaves Democrats without a prominent candidate in the key local election of 1992. Financier Tom Carter is the only Democrat rumored to be interested in launching a candidacy for the job that Mayor Maureen O’Connor will relinquish next year.

Other potential candidates include Peter Navarro, chairman of Prevent Los Angelization Now!, and City Councilman Bruce Henderson, both Republicans.

Of the two front runners, only Golding has formed an exploratory committee and is raising money for the mayor’s race. Roberts is up for reelection to the council next month.

Killea, who also faces a reelection campaign next year, said she has not decided whether she will endorse a candidate in the mayor’s race.