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San Francisco Mayor Wants Future Debates To Avoid Personal Attacks

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee will take part in another mayoral debate Tuesday night, but vows to bow out of future debates if they don't focus more on the challenges facing the city and less on personal attacks against him.

The mayor's first big debate after announcing his candidacy was rough, with his opponents questioning his integrity for jumping into the race.

Lee said he won't be in many more debates if that's all they're about.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor:

"We probably gain more by going to a local bar someplace and talking because it is getting to a level of ridiculousness," said Lee.

There also have been allegations that people associated with the Run Ed Run campaign engaged in misconduct to promote Lee candidacy.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reportedly is investigating, but Lee said he hasn't been contacted.

"I think there've been individuals trying to smear by alleging that there's some kind of a investigation going on. I don't think that's true because there's nothing to investigate."

As for being dogged at debates with non-stop questions about his candidacy, Lee said he just wants to talk to real voters, not spar with supporters of his mayoral opponents.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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