As to not including the sexual harassment issues as part of the recall statement, I did that because there was nothing else to be said on that topic. It was already sold and why would I sell it again? Indeed, the recall petition was designed to have two phases. In the first, I knew people would sign a napkin and so I used this opportunity to make a series of more substantive statements which would eventually be adopted by the public.

The second phase is now in play; that is to lay out a more formal agenda for the next mayor to follow as well as to eventually present to the public; a manifesto if you will.

Timing was critical as the recall needed to coincide with other events that were unfolding all the while recognizing that the ultimate goal was to remove Filner from office.

With regards to any perceived defects in the recall, they remain to be found. The maneuver was properly executed and Filner is gone. Moreover and as the recall played out, all the political “experts” were wrong about the cost, the use of paid petition gatherers and other faulty opinions that were offered. At best, these were nothing more that minor distractions.

Filner is gone.

Because he wasn’t sincere.