Panetta Won’t Run for Governor; Cites Cost of Campaign

Former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta announced Monday that he will not enter the race for the Democratic nomination for governor of California.

In a written statement from his Carmel Valley home, Panetta said he had agreed to consider entering the race in the wake of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s decision two weeks ago not to seek the Democratic nomination.

But, he said, “My conclusion is that at this late date, it’s just not realistic to expect that I could put together an effective campaign with the necessary resources and organization needed to win.”

Panetta said he believed, based on telephone calls and letters he has received, that he had a broad base of support. However, he did not think he could raise the $1 million a week it would take to be a competitive candidate.

“This is a sad commentary on the state of money and politics, but it’s a reality that can’t be ignored,” Panetta said. “Therefore, I will not be a candidate for governor.”

Panetta also was viewed as weakened by alleged White House fund-raising improprieties. Panetta was never directly linked to any of the alleged improper activities, but his name was on the distribution lists of many controversial memos and he was listed as a participant in many meetings that have been the subject of inquiries.

He also was drawn into the most recent White House sex scandal.

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern linked to President Clinton, had worked for Panetta when he was chief of staff. Called before a grand jury in Washington last week, Panetta said he knew of no relationship between Clinton and Lewinsky.

Panetta, 59, served 16 years in Congress representing the Monterey Bay region.