Gov. Jerry Brown likes San Diego mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher.
Here’s how much:
“Nathan Fletcher stands out from the pack, especially when he voted to close a big tax loophole that rewards companies that ship jobs out of California,” Brown said in a statement released today. “In the face of partisan pressures, he maintains his independence and calls it the way he sees it.”
Brown was referring to a deal that he and Fletcher, an assemblyman, engineered last year that aimed to end tax breaks for out-of-state businesses, and lower personal income taxes and add tax breaks for small, in-state businesses. The deal failed to pass, but both Fletcher supporters and opponents highlight it on the trail.
Brown, a Democrat, issued the statement through his political advisor Steve Glazer. I asked Glazer if it meant Brown was endorsing Fletcher in the mayor’s race. If yes, that would be a big deal.
Fletcher, a Republican-turned-independent, remains in a tight fight for a spot in November’s general election. Fletcher likely would have to knock out Congressman Bob Filner, the lone Democrat in the race, to make the runoff.
Glazer said Brown’s statement wasn’t an endorsement, but rather his “observations” about Fletcher based on inquires he had received about him.
“He doesn’t know the other candidates well enough to comment on them,” Glazer said.
Liam Dillon is a news reporter for Voice of San Diego. He covers San Diego City Hall, the 2012 mayor’s race and big building projects. What should he write about next?
Please contact him directly at liam.dillon@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5663.
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