Interesting tidbit in today's San Diego City Beat...

Frye won't endorse in city attorney race
By David Rolland

San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye has endorsed three candidates in the race for four City Council seats up for grabs in the June 3 election, but, for now at least, she said she plans to stay out of the city attorney sweepstakes.

Frye is backing Sherri Lightner in District 1, Stephen Whitburn in District 3 and Marti Emerald in District 7--all Democrats. She likely won't make an endorsement in District 5, where Republican Carl DeMaio is expected to stroll breezily toward election. Frye holds common cause in some areas with DeMaio. While they disagree on issues such as outsourcing city jobs to the private sector (he's for it; she ain't), DeMaio is an ally to Frye when it comes to transparency in government. He also endeared himself to her recently when he publicly called for a scenario in which the mayor has nothing to do with selecting or overseeing a city auditor.

Frye will have more than earned the presidency of the City Council by the time 2009 rolls around (I didn't ask her if she'll seek it; Councilmember Tony Young wants it pretty badly). Having two years as president under her belt would only help her chances of being elected to the county Board of Supervisors, a position she's recently expressed interest in. Supervisor Ron Roberts' seat is up again in 2010, which, under term limits, will be Frye's last year on the City Council.

If she can help get Lightner and Emerald elected, replacing termed out Scott Peters and Jim Madaffer, the City Council would have six Democrats and two Republicans (DeMaio and Kevin Faulconer), creating a scenario most conducive to her leadership. So far, Frye hasn't shown the willingness to lead coalitions, preferring instead to go it alone, even when others (namely Toni Atkins) have wanted her to lead.

Frye's decision to stay out of the city attorney race has to be seen as a blow to Mike Aguirre, who doesn't have too many friends left in high places.