San Diego Won't Pay Mayor's Legal Fees

Faces sexual harassment claims

San Diego's City Council made it clear it wants the city to have no part in the legal dealings of Mayor Bob Filner, who is the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit, allegations of unwanted advances and a chorus of calls to resign.

Dealing a double rebuke to its mayor with a pair of unanimous votes, the council opted Tuesday to sue Filner in a pre-emptive attempt to have the mayor alone responsible for any costs incurred due to the lawsuit, which also names the city as a defendant. Later, the council voted to deny Filner funds for his legal defense.

"His employers, San Diego taxpayers, did not have to bail him out for the mess he created," City Councilman Kevin Faulconer said.