After he was convicted on 13 felony counts of conspiracy and perjury two weeks ago, San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock resigned. Then last Thursday, amid allegations of jury tampering, Hedgecock's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial. The following day, just before he was due to leave office, Hedgecock announced that he would stay on, pending the outcome. Said he: "If there is no valid verdict, there is no basis for resignation."
A popular leader, Hedgecock had already eluded downfall twice. Last November voters re-elected him for a second term, although he was under indictment for lying to conceal irregularities...