García Padilla: No team set to support 2012 run

García Padilla, a freshman lawmaker and former Department of Consumer Affairs (Daco) secretary, said listening to the people does not require being advised by intermediaries.

“No team has been formed to work on any candidacy or aspiration,” García Padilla said in a written statement.

“The people mentioned in press reports are personal friends of mine and my family who I have spoken with on many occasions throughout my public life,” the PDP senator said. “But they are not part of any supposed advisory group.”

García Padilla said he continued to reach out to individual citizens, organizations, interest groups, representatives from the private sector and mayors.

García Padilla first emerged as a potential gubernatorial candidate after former Gov. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá was indicted on federal corruption charges while in office during the last term. The incumbent Acevedo Vilá stayed in the race for re-election and was beaten in a landslide by Gov. Luis Fortuño before beating the federal charges.

The former Daco chief could face a host of PDP challengers in a gubernatorial primary as supporters of various potential runners begin to draw lines.

A PDP-sponsored Constitution Day celebration Sunday in Maunabo was marked by displays of support for potential 2012 gubernatorial candidates from the commonwealth party.

Supporters of García Padilla carried signs that showed his face on the body of Superman and read: “García Padilla for governor in 2012.

Among the other potential candidates frequently mentioned are PDP President Héctor Ferrer, José Hernández Mayoral and Isabela Mayor Charlie Delgado.

Ferrer, who is the House minority leader, has indicated that he would not seek re-election to the lower chamber or a Senate seat in 2012.

None of the potential runners have officially announced their intentions for the next election.