(Feb. 23, 2008) -- State Senator Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Lakewood-Paramount), now completing his first term in the state Senate and seeking reelection this year has told LBReport.com he won't be running for Mayor in 2010 and plans to complete his Senate term to 2012 "and that's it."

We asked Sen. Lowenthal about this (which has been the subject of local speculation) during a one-on-one opportunity at a Feb. 23 morning "meet and greet" organized by 4th dist. Councilman Patrick O'Donnell at ELB's newly opened Beach City Brew & Deli (2001 Palo Verde Ave. @ Los Santos).

When we asked about speculation that he'll return from Sac'to to run for Mayor 2010, Sen. Lowenthal's facial expression approximated something between bewilderment and bemusement. He shook his head "no," adding "Bob Foster is Mayor." So you're not going to free up the State Senate seat for Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal in two years? Sen. Lowenthal again shook his head "no" and added, "I'm seeking a second term in the state Senate, from 2008 to 2012, and that's it."

A few minutes later, we asked him the question without tying it to a Mayoral run...and his answer was the same: he plans to spend four more years in Sac'to if voters agree...and he was quite definite about it.

Sen. Lowenthal carried with him an official candidate nominating petition seeking signatures of registered voting Democrats to qualify him for a place on his Party's June 2008 primary ballot. Many of those attending the event were visibly eager to sign.

For a second Senate term, Sen. Lowenthal must prevail in a June 2008 primary against Dem opponents (if any) and then in November 2008 against Repub opponents (if any), in the Democrat drawn district.

Introduced by Councilman O'Donnell as "more than a leader on clean air, he's a God on clean air," Sen. Lowenthal spoke off the cuff for roughly fifteen minutes on multiple Sacramento subjects, then fielded Q & A on still more. LBReport.com has separate coverage of Sen. Lowenthal's remarks & Q & A coming.

Also warmly introduced by Councilman O'Donnell and receiving considerable crowd applause was Assemblywoman Betty Karnette (D., LB), completing her final two years (term limited) in the state legislature. Assemblywoman Karnette has previously indicated that she plans to run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2010.

Assemblywoman Karnette also fielded Q & A...and legislative details were also amplified by her aide, Jay Day. Coverage of those issues likewise coming separately on LBReport.com.