In the middle of March, Nathan Fletcher announced that he would leave the Republican Party to compete as an independent candidate.

The news catch the media attention, although according to the candidate, this decision was based on his search for a middle point, "no right or left wing", in his vision to rebuild the communities in San Diego.

It seems that San Diegans agree with that idea.

In a survey made last week by Survey USA along with Channel 10, it shows that after the change of Party, Fletcher went up to second place on the public preference, just two points below the Republican candidate Carl DeMaio.

The survey puts DeMaio ahead with 28 percent, followed by the independent candidate Fletcher with 26 percent, followed by the Democrat Bob Filner with 20 percent, and finally, the prosecutor and contender, Republican Bonnie Dumanis with 13 percent.

The same company made other survey early February where the public preference was for Carl DeMaio (25%), Filner (24%), Dumanis (14%) and Fletcher (13%).

The most recent numbers show an important leap in the fight for the Mayor's office.

"Honestly I don't pay much attention to surveys", said Fletcher.

"I think the message sent is that San Diego doesn't want a right or left wing candidate anymore", he added.

The primary elections will take place on June 5. If none of the candidates wins by more than 50 percent, the two main candidates will compete again in November to define who will replace Jerry Sanders.

alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com

Original Text : Alexandra Mendoza

Translation : Daniel Blanco