The big mystery announcement that was supposed to be forthcoming the other day turned out to be not much of a shock…Encinitas Councilman Jerome Stocks decided not to enter the fray in the 74th, the Wyland seat.
Jerome, a great guy who — among other things — drove his city’s rightful pro-property rights reaction to the Kelo eminent domain decision (perhaps the first local elected official to do so), would be a great face in the legislature, but he was going to have an uphill battle against Garrick and Waldron…and now Packard.
The SD Politics Blog had mention of Stocks dropping a few days ago…consultant Jack Orr indicates Stocks confirmed it at the monthly North County National Albondigas Political Society luncheon (ask me what the heck that is, and I’ll turn you over to Jack). 
So, I check to see if the North County Times picked it up over the weekend. At www.nctimes.org, I figure it would be easier to search for "Jerome" than "Stocks." Got nothing but a bunch of hits on Jerome…Bettis, otherwise known as the "Bus," if you’re not a Steelers fan.
At any rate, whether Jerome actually issued it in a release, or said it at the Friday luncheon, here’s Jack Orr’s take on it:
Jerome has wisely decided not to seek the GOP nomination for the 74th Assembly District.
“As you now know I’ve decided not to be a candidate in the 2006 race for AD74.
"With my son Jimmy just having turned ten and baby Dorothy 1, my family obligations really do direct me to remain here at home in Encinitas.
"I am humbled and honored by the success I am enjoying locally having been re-elected in November 2004 to a second four year term as a City Council Member, and regionally as a voting member on 2 of only 5 committees at SANDAG, and being re-appointed as Chairman of North County Transit District among other regional appointments.
"I will continue to do what I can to be effective and beneficial for Encinitas, our region, and our state; but I will be doing so from here, rather than from a seat in the state legislature.
"I thank you for your continued friendship, encouragement, and support.
"Yours in public service."
Jerome Stocks
Thanks, Jack. The question now: Will Stocks endorse one of the other three? Jerome, let us know at the FlashReport.