Coble drops out of mayor’s race

Columbia Mayor Bob Coble has decided to end his reelection bid, according to a report coming from WIS. That leaves attorney Steve Benjamin and businessman Joe Azar as the candidates left in the race.

In an Aug. 25 column, The State’s Warren Bolton said, “Mayor Coble has shown that he can muster a formidable ground game of his own, particularly in heavily black precincts. A key element of his win in 2006 was a get-out-the-vote effort in 16 black wards and precincts. In those precincts, Mayor Coble defeated Kevin Fisher, his major opposition, 3,501 to 348.”

Coble has had a tendency of organizing his operation later in the cycle, considering his name recognition and connections among the city’s power players.

In a statement, Coble said:

I wanted to let you know that I have made a personal and family decision that twenty years as Mayor of Columbia is enough, and I will not run for re-election next year. I have had the honor of serving as Columbia’s Mayor and have enjoyed every minute. I count as a source of pride being called “Mayor Bob.”

Working together over the last two decades we have accomplished a great deal. Columbia and our neighborhoods have been revitalized, reversing three decades of declining population; we have started Innovista and Engenuity that are critical components of our entering the knowledge economy; Columbia’s Downtown and Riverfront have been revitalized including the Gervais Streetscaping, Publix, Main Streetscaping, EdVenture and Three Rivers Greenway; we built the Convention Center, the Hilton Hotel and the Colonial Life Center; and under the leadership of Ike McLease we successfully navigated BRAC in 2005.

While we have accomplished much there is still much to be done during the remainder of my term including funding the RTA and addressing homelessness.

I will not be seeking any other political office but will concentrate on my family and law practice. On behalf of the Coble Family we would like to thank the citizens of Columbia for allowing us to serve as Mayor.

The exit of Mayor Bob throws the door wide open to Benjamin, who was already assembling a crackerjack staff for what has been considered Coble’s strongest challenge since he’s been in office.