Majority of San Diegans Want Mayor Filner to Resign, Says Poll

More than three in four San Diegans want Mayor Bob Filner to resign over allegations of sexual harassment and other alleged improprieties in office, according to a poll released today.

In the survey of 600 adults taken between Friday and today, 77 percent said they wanted Filner to step down. A greater percentage of men wanted the mayor out of office: 79 percent, compared to 76 percent of women.

The poll, conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of U-T San Diego and 10News, found that the parties were nearly even in their desire to see Filner leave: 79 percent of Republicans and 78 percent of Democrats.

The widest gap in the findings was between younger and older adults. Of those ages 18-34, 69 percent want Filner to resign. The rate of those supporting resignation steadily increases through age ranges to a high of 86 percent among those 65 years of age and older.

The survey also found that 68 percent of San Diegans favor a recall if the mayor refuses to step down.

San Diegans were split on the question of whether allegations of sexual harassment or accusations of financial shakedowns of developers were more serious, with each receiving 44 percent.

Also, 71 percent favored the City Council's action to sue the mayor for any monetary damages that might be incurred in the future. One employee has already sued Filner and the city.

The survey was released on the day Filner was set to begin two weeks of behavioral therapy at an undisclosed location. So far, 10 women have publicly accused him of unwanted sexual advances, forced kissing and groping.

—City News Service