Brown non-committal on 2010 governor run

Attorny General Jerry Brown: Getty Images PhotosA campaign fund for Attorney General Jerry Brown reported more than $200,000 in campaign contributions over the weekend, possibly a start for a campaign for the 2010 gubernatorial race.

The $205,000 reported on Sunday included several donations from prominent labor unions whose support is critical for any Democratic candidate in California.

Brown said Monday that the donations could be used for a gubernatorial campaign in two years, a possibility he's mentioned before.

"I've not made a final decision yet," he said when contacted at a phone number for the fund, Jerry Brown 2010. "If I'm going to run a campaign, I've got to start now."

Brown said he expected a lot more donations in the next few weeks, because it's necessary to start now if one wants to make a serious run.

"In case I do decide to run for governor, I'll be ready," he said.

A campaign finance report for Jerry Brown 2010 on the California Secretary of State's Web site notes the fund was formerly titled "Jerry Brown for Attorney General."

Brown, who previously served two terms as California's governor from 1975 to 1983, was elected attorney general in 2006 after serving two terms as Oakland's mayor.

Many political observers believe Brown is the odds-on favorite to be the Democratic nominee for governor in 2010, because of his name recognition and credentials.

Brown left office before California voters enacted term limits in 1990, so he is not constrained from running for the state's top political job again.

Other Democrats discussed as possible 2010 gubernatorial nominees include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Fabian Nunez and former Controller Steve Westly.