Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch says he's got no regrets about not running for St. Petersburg mayor, despite being tagged by our sister blog the Buzz as runner up loser of the week Sunday for not doing it.

Welch said he has serious measures with countywide effect to pursue, such as promoting rail and fighting off-shore drilling. "I’ve got my plate full," he said.

But his refrain in the recent campaign was "talk to me in 2013," and that might be revised to 2011.

That's when he will look at how redistricting changed legislative districts and how the field for mayor is shaping up. He wouldn't bite on speculation, such as whether fellow Democrat Kathleen Ford's loss makes it easier for him to run in 2013.

"I think we let the guy get inaugurated and become the mayor before we start talking about running against him," Welch said.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer