Mike Aguirre Enters Mayor's Race – Officially

The only mayoral contender who's won citywide office in San Diego has just formally announced his candidacy in upcoming special election.

Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 19 to fill the spot vacated by former mayor Bob Filner.

Filner resigned as of Aug. 30 after weeks of pressure from supporters and voters and amidst a recall campaign. He was the subject of several investigations stemming from allegations of sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances and misuse of funds.

Former San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre met with reporters Friday morning in Balboa Park.

Over the years Aguirre has run for Congress and the City Council. Finally, in 2004, he won the race for City Attorney only to lose a re-election bid four years later to Jan Goldsmith, by a 3-to-2 margin.

Aguirre's a private attorney specializing in plaintiff's cases involving corporate and white-collar crimes, such as securities and investment fraud.

He said his focus as mayor would be skyrocketing water rates, utility rates, escalating pension obligations and stewardship of city funds.

Aguirre may be known for his confrontational style as City Attorney but he says he's mellowed in the years since and has learned the ropes of collaboration and compromise.

He often clashed with then-mayor Jerry Sanders about whom he once raised ethical questions. While that earned him a lot of populist appeal, Aguirre alienated many allies and supporters eventually attracting five challengers in the 2008 primary election.

Aguirre is one of four big-name Democrats in the mayor's race for which 33 people have already filed papers.

He, and fellow Democrats David Alvarez, Nathan Fletcher and Lori Saldana are vying for their party's endorsement.

Republican Kevin Faulconer already has the GOP's backing. He's looking to divide and conquer the Dems in November.
 

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