San Francisco Interim Mayor Ed Lee Announces He's Running

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Interim San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee announced Monday that he will, after all, run for mayor in November.

When Lee was appointed interim mayor seven months ago after Mayor Gavin Newsom was elected lieutenant governor, he pledged that he no intention of running for mayor. 

KCBS' Barbara Taylor and Holly Quan Report:

A campaign, "Run, Ed, Run," had been urging Lee to join the mayor's race for weeks.

KCBS and San Francisco Chronicle insider Phil Matier said he believes Lee's change of heart was a combination of the "Run, Ed, Run" campaign, getting comfortable with the job, and getting a boost from Senator Dianne Feinstein who told him he should get in the race.

Matier said Lee will be the frontrunner in a crowded race.

KCBS and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier Comments:

At 'Jerry Day,' an event celebrating the life of Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia in San Francisco's McLaren Park on Sunday, Ed Lee spoke to KCBS. "I think we can expect someone in Room 200, running the business of the city," Lee said. "That's what I do."

Some people listening to the music Sunday did not like the idea of Lee changing his mind, however.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

"What other things will he say he's going to do and not do?" one woman asked.

Another man at the park said promises should still count for something. "You know, if it weren't for the promise, I'd be behind him 100 percent," he said.

Lee will join a crowded field that includes state Sen. Leland Yee, Board of Supervisors President David Chiu and Supervisor John Avalos, and City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

Chiu said he called Lee Monday morning to welcome him to the race.

"While I'm disappointed that he broke his promise to San Franciscans not to run, it will ultimately be up to the voters to judge the character, vision and record of those who want to lead our city for the next four years," Chiu said in a statement.

Former supervisor and mayoral candidate Bevan Dufty said, "It's a big change to the race," but said "I don't begrudge him making this decision."

He said, "I'm campaigning about my vision and my record, and that's not going to change ... people have to do what people have to do."

The deadline to file as a candidate in the mayor's race is Friday, August 12.

You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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