Anderson, at Becker's victory party, said Becker will "be a great mayor. He's got the experience, the background, the heart, the passion." Anderson said there will be times as mayor that Becker will "have to stand up" on issues, even if it upsets the Legislature or even members of the City Council.

Becker said he didn't have a date for his resignation from the Legislature. As for his replacement, Becker said it would be "the kiss of death" for any candidate if he becomes involved in the choice, which will be made by the 30-odd Democratic delegates to his District 24. But he said he thinks "exceptionally highly" of Rebecca Chavez-Houck, an Hispanic activist who worked on his campaign and briefly sought a state Senate seat from the area several years ago.

Becker said he'll review all the city department heads, including the police and fire chiefs, before deciding who'll serve in his administration. Over eight years, Anderson fired dozens of top aides. Becker said he's avoided turnover in his own public issues consulting business. "Over 20 years, I've never fired an employee," Becker said.

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