DENVER – Antonio Villaraiosa, widely seen as a potential Democratic candidate in the 2010 race for governor, wouldn’t get into specifics about the race for California’s top job while attending the Democratic National Convention.

Villaraigosa, who was elected as mayor of Los Angeles in 2005, was tight-lipped on the prospects of a run for the governor’s mansion.

“I’m focused on 2008, electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I’m focused on my re-election in 2009,” he said. “Nothing about 2010. I love what I do, I’m focused on my work.”

Standing in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt today, Villaraigosa was equally tight-lipped about a potential candidacy for Gavin Newsom, the San Francisco mayor who in recent weeks has been making moves towards a run.

“Oh, there are a number of strong candidates,” the first term mayor said. “(Attorney General) Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom, (former State Controller) Steve Westly, (U.S. Sen.) Dianne Feinstein. These are all people who could certainly have some very strong candidacies.”