Jackson won't rule out D.C. run

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Saturday refused to rule out a run formayor of Washington, D.C., although he expressed irritation at newsreports he was considering such a move.

A mayoral run would likely take Jackson out of the 1992 race forthe Democratic presidential nomination.

"I have no plans to run for mayor," Jackson said after anOperation PUSH meeting here. He added he would never run againstincumbent Marion S. Barry Jr., a longtime friend and political ally.

Barry, however, may not seek a fourth term because his relationswith a man charged with drug trafficking are being investigated byfederal and local authorities.

Saturday's editions of the Washington Post and New York Timesreported that Jackson is considering the run because of Barry'scontinuing troubles.

Jackson's legal residence is in Chicago, but he also owns aboarded-up house in Washington that he bought for $100,000 in 1985.He recently applied for building permits for a $180,000 renovation.

Jackson denied Saturday the renovation has anything to do withpolitics. "It is cost-efficient to rehab the house this time ofyear," he said. "I do a lot of work out of Washington and having ahome out there is less expensive."

Jackson plans to meet with an architect this week and hopes tohave the house in living condition soon, aides said.

Jackson reportedly is considering shifting his voting address toWashington this summer and moving when the house is finished.

He also has reportedly feels told aides it would be a mistakefor him to seek the presidential nomination in 1992 because herealizes he could end up a three-time loser by time he is 51.

Although Jackson said he would never run against Barry, he hasbeen quoted as saying if Barry was not running, "that's a differentset of circumstances."

Jackson may feel Barry's political troubles have deepened to thepoint he may have to step aside. Jackson has reportedly beenencouraging efforts to find a business or academic post for Barry.

Barry said in a statement Friday that "from all indications Ihave received, the Rev. Jackson is not interested in running formayor of Washington, D.C., regardless of whether I run or not."

Barry said there is a "60-40 percent chance" he would seekanother term in November, 1990. He has not yet announced formationof a campaign finance commmittee, a move expected weeks ago.

D.C. candidates for mayor must liver there for one year prior toany general election. So Jackson would have to move to Washington byearly November if he plans to run for mayor.

Aides said Mayor Daley's recent victory over two black opponentscould be a key factor in Jackson's reported decision to run for D.C.mayor.

Jackson endorsed former Mayor Eugene Sawyer in the primary andAld. Timothy C. Evans (4th) in the general election.

A number of Chicago's black leaders have reportedly urgedJackson to remain here and help unify the black community.

By serving as D.C. mayor, Jackson would be able to answercritics who say he has no administrative ability and lacks experienceto serve in elective office.