[img_assist|nid=1429|title=Former state Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla|desc=Campaign photo|link=none|align=left|width=120|height=180]It wasn't missing the taste for rubber chicken, but a re-examination of where a public servant could have the most impact that led former state Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla to form an exploratory committee this week to run for state attorney general in 2010.

Canciamilla briefly examined running for a state senate seat this year after being termed out of the assembly, but opted not to do so, declaring he was tired of the "rubber chicken circuit."

Months later, Canciamilla is strongly considering elective office again, but with provisions.

The State Legislature, where a moderate like Canciamilla often is caught between the ideological leadership on both sides, is too dysfunctional, he said.

Many believe current Attorney General Jerry Brown will bypass a re-election bid in two years to run for governor instead. If Brown chose to try to return to his current role instead, Canciamilla said, his own bid would end there.

"I'm not looking to run against Jerry Brown," said Canciamilla, who lives in Pittsburg in the East Bay. "I'm not in a position of independent wealth or name recognition to wait until the last minute to jump in, so I'm starting to look at it now."

No other Democratic candidates besides Brown have publicly filed paperwork to run in 2010 for attorney general. But former State Sen. Chuck Poochigian of Fresno, a Republican who lost to Brown in 2006, has maintained a campaign account since then.

As well, many believe that Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo is also interested in running. Delgadillo lost the Democratic primary to Brown in 2006.

Canciamilla said he has about $400,000 left over in a campaign account from his abandoned state senate race.

As attorney general, Canciamilla said, he'd examine how to work more closely with local law enforcement agencies on being more efficient in a time when many budgets are being cut.

"We need to focus on getting back to basics," Canciamilla said.

He said he would also concentrate on white-collar crime issues, and especially issues related to fraud against elders and identity theft as the Baby Boomer generation moves into retirement.

Whether he decides to run, Canciamilla said, will depend on both what moves other potential candidates such as Brown make in the next few months, and his own ability to raise funds.

"The reaction has been pretty positive," Canciamilla said of his exploratory committee announcement. "I've heard from a lot of people I worked with as a legislator, and they're supportive."

Before being elected to the State Assembly in 2000, Canciamilla served as a county supervisor, city council member and school board trustee.

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