Moorlach Stays Out of California Governor's Race

Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach, a Republican, won't throw his hat in the ring for California governor.

In an email to his mailing list, Moorlach said that given the concentration of Democrats in the state, it would be a tough race for any Republican to beat popular incumbent sitting Gov. Jerry Brown.

He added that he decided that he did not want to put his family through what would be a grueling race.

"After spending a good five months looking at what I should be doing next, I have taken a potential run for the office of Governor of the State of California off the list," Moorlach wrote.

Moorlach rose to prominence after predicting the Orange County bankruptcy during an unsuccessful election challenge to incumbent Orange County Treasurer Robert Citron. After the bankruptcy, he was appointed to the treasurer's office and held it until term limits prevented him from running again.

He then was elected as a county supervisor, where he is again facing a term limit, prompting questions about his plans.

"Consequently, I am making my official announcement: I am not running for governor of the state of California," he said. "Hopefully, this will stop the inclusion of my name in news reports of potential Republican candidates who don't have a chance of beating Governor Jerry Brown."

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