Pete Constant: Mayor, Sheriff Or ... What? Wednesday, May 27, 2009 By The Fly, Metro Speculation has run thick that San Jose will one day see a political showdown between Council rivals Sam Liccardo and Pete Constant in a race for mayor. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking among people who can't wait to watch the two pols go at it. But here's a new twist. Fly just caught wind that Constant is entertaining the idea of running for Santa Clara County sheriff instead. Makes sense, he says, considering his dual background as a cop and elected politician. Constant obviously isn't prepared to commit, but he did say last week that a run for sheriff was indeed on his mind. "It's a possibility," he said. "However, I wouldn't run against Laurie Smith." Why not? "I wouldn't beat her," he confesses. Smart move not to take on Smith, considering the two Republicans are friends and have historically supported one another. In the Blue Bastion of Santa Clara County, Republicans need to keep what friends they have. Smith, who was first elected sheriff in 1999, announced her re-election campaign the day after Fly spoke to Constant. That probably means Constant has some time to make up his mind about whether he will run for mayor—or maybe state Assembly? "Anything is possible at this point," Constant says. "I have about two years before I have to make a decision, and all my energy is focused on my re-election." Not that it matters, but the mayor gets paid $127,000, while an assemblymember makes $113,000. The sheriff makes $231,804. Send political tips to The Fly. Or send a letter to the editor about this story.

 

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