David Chiu to Jump in Mayoral Race

Is he a moderate or a progressive?

​As expected, Supervisor David Chiu, the board president who riled progressives when he helped elevate Mayor Ed Lee into his position, says he plans to announce his bid for San Francisco mayor later today.

Chiu -- who considers himself progressive -- has been hinting at a run for mayor since last month when Rose Pak, head of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, insisted that he would definitely be a candidate. This presumption was further crystallized when Chiu pulled his name from the list of possible contenders to replace former District Attorney Kamala Harris.

He is expected to announce his intention to run at a press conference outside City Hall today at 11 a.m.

Chris Daly's campaign slogan

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Media outlets report that Chiu has hired Josh Pulliam, a Sacramento-based consultant with extensive experience working with labor unions, as his strategist.

Chiu, who is serving his second term as board president, told reporters that he will focus on policing and job creation the center of his platform.

Chiu, 40, was instrumental in helping to get Mayor Lee appointed as the city's chief executive last month, a move that sent the left-leaning members of the board convulsing with rage.

On his way out, Former Supervisor Chris Daly targeted his anger at Chiu, saying he would haunt him and the moderates at City Hall. He capped off his threat with the now famous Daly remark: "it's on like Donkey Kong."

Chiu's candidacy will no doubt fuel Daly, who has also indicated he might run for mayor.

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