It's Official: Riordan Will Run for Governor

LOS ANGELES-Richard J. Riordan–the charismatic Republican millionaire who is credited with helping to push through the construction of the Staples Center sports and entertainment complex and other facilities that have since helped to rejuvenate once-tired Downtown–has ended months of speculation by announcing that he’ll try to unseat Democratic Governor Gray Davis in next year’s gubernatorial election.

“I’m running for governor for a very simple reason; I love California,” Riordan told the crowd at a huge rally on Olvera Street, where the city was born more than a century ago. The newly announced candidate, who served two terms as mayor of this city before being forced out by term limits earlier this year, chided Davis for what he believes is the governor’s failure to make good on several campaign promises. These include Davis’ pledge to improve public schools and health-care while also reigning in state spending.

Riordan, 71, is considered by most pollsters to have the best shot at beating Davis and reclaiming the governor’s office for the GOP. He is a moderate Republican who supports both gun control and abortion rights, which sets him apart from the two other major Republican challengers—Secretary of State Bill Jones and conservative LA businessman William Simon.