DeMaio to Kick Off Mayoral Campaign at RB Alive!; Fletcher in the Race, Too

San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio is set to announce the start of his mayoral campaign during Sunday's RB Alive! Expo in Rancho Bernardo.

DeMaio first filed papers to run in January, saying he would explore the possibility of running as a way to help fix the city's problems.

“Fixing the city’s pension and budget problems are my top priorities, and if running for mayor will advance fiscal reform of our city, I will do it," DeMaio said in a statement at the time.

DeMaio has focused on pension reform and managed competition as important steps to fixing the city's fiscal problems. He is set to make an announcement about his mayoral run at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Vons shopping center at 11985 Bernardo Plaza Dr.

One of DeMaio's key challengers is thought to be Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, who represents Rancho Bernardo in District 75. Fletcher, in a message posted on Twitter on Sunday, said, "It's official--I'm running."

On his campaign website, Fletcher said he will officially announce his candidacy on Monday.

"Starting tomorrow, we will launch a campaign that will lay out a plan and vision for our city that will make San Diego the world’s most innovative city; an economic dynamo that enables us to provide quality public services and an unmatched quality of life for this and future generations," the website reads.

"This will require bold ideas and leadership that brings former adversaries together to solve real problems. While it won’t be easy, I pledge to you that I will confront our problems directly, be honest about the solutions and stay focused on goals that unite us."

DeMaio's campaign website was live Sunday, as well, saying, "I am officially running for mayor: Will you partner with me?"

The site, CarlDeMaio.com, has been at the center of a between DeMaio and the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council. A campaign manager with the council said he was able to make a $5 donation to DeMaio's campaign on the website last week, a problem because campaign rules prohibit fundraising and solicitation until 12 months before the election which is set for June 5, 2012.

DeMaio's campaign spokesman said the payment was not accepted and the site, which was then taken down, was only in beta form. The labor council has since with the city, which could fine DeMaio.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis also has declared her candidacy.

Check back later for more on DeMaio's announcement at RB Alive!

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