Richmond Del. Dwight C. Jones remains mum on whether he's running for mayor, but there's a strong indication in cyberspace to count him in.

The Web site www.dwightjonesformayor.com is active, although apparently still under design, with a photo of the delegate and dead-end links to join and to contribute to the campaign.

In an interview, Jones said he expects to make an announcement this week but declined to give specifics. "I don't want you to scoop it," he said.

Yesterday, the Web site announced "Dwight Jones for Mayor'08" and included the slogan "Building a Better Richmond," as well as the city logo. Later, the logo was updated to show a bridge connecting two areas of a city. The site said it is paid for by "Dwight Jones for Mayor."

Jones is scheduled to speak today at 7 p.m. to the Richmond Crusade for Voters at the Military Retirees Club, 2220 Chamberlayne Ave.

Jones, 60, has represented the House of Delegates' 70th District since 1994. He is chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and pastor of First Baptist Church on Decatur Street in South Richmond.

So far, the only announced candidates for mayor are former 8th District City Councilwoman Jackie M. Jackson and Paul Goldman, a Democratic strategist and former aide to Mayor L. Douglas Wilder.

Wilder has hinted that he may seek a second term. City Council President William J. Pantele declined yesterday to discuss his plans. The election is Nov. 4.

The filing deadline for candidates is June 10. As of yesterday, Jackson and Goldman had partial filings. All candidates must to submit petitions with at least 500 signatures.

"It's almost May 1. That doesn't give them much time," General Registrar J. Kirk Showalter said of prospective candidates.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.