INCUMBENT ELLIOTT HAS EARLY LEAD AGAINST CHALLENGER BRIGGS

Elliott successful in primary; Briggs decried Ash St. deal

San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott was leading by a substantial margin over challenger Cory Briggs in the race to become the city’s top lawyer.

“I’m very confident this will be a sound victory,” Elliott said after the first results came in. “I think it shows the public appreciates the work I have done over the last four years, and are looking forward to the next four.”

Elliott was seeking re-election to her second term. Briggs was seeking the job that has often been the target of lawsuits that he has filed against city projects and policies over a lengthy legal career as a self-styled taxpayer advocate.

Elliott has scoffed at that description, pointing out during the campaign that the scores of lawsuits he filed — 80, by her count— have cost taxpayers money and largely enriched Briggs.

That was one of numerous jabs each levied at the other. Elliott characterized Briggs as a bully who easily flies off the handle.

Briggs repeatedly took aim at Elliott as a corrupt and incompetent lawyer who has a broken relationship with members of the City Council who do not trust her.

Elliott got the most votes in the spring primary, has raised more money than Briggs, and led in polls heading into Tuesday — though those polls also showed a large percentage of voters undecided.

Elliott has championed her use of gun violence restraining orders, a legal tool where a court can order an individual not to possess a gun or ammunition for up to a year if law enforcement can show that the person presents a danger to themselves or others.

She has gained national attention for use of the orders, which supporters say can reduce instances of gun violence.

Briggs has attacked Elliott over the botched real estate deal for a new office building for city workers at 101 Ash Street.

The city entered into a lease for a building that at this time can’t house workers because of asbestos.

The city until recently was paying more than $500,000 rent per month for an empty space.