Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to run again

MONTREAL — Despite a recent admission that he used crack cocaine while in a “drunken stupor” Toronto Mayor Rob Ford on Thursday put his name on the ballot for the city’s municipal election later this year.

“Just filed my paperwork for the 2014 election,” Ford tweeted to about 89,000 followers, minutes after registering with the city clerk.

The mayor of Canada’s largest city made international headlines during 2013, after admitting to smoking crack cocaine, showing up drunk at public events, and for having to make humiliating public apologies over various inappropriate comments.

With Ford refusing to resign, the Toronto City Council voted in November to strip him of most of his powers.

He is expected to face challenges from Councillor Karen Stintz and former Councillor David Soknacki. They have expressed an interest in running for the mayor’s job, and may register later in the campaign.

Other potential candidates expected to enter the 10-month mayoral race are Olivia Chow, a member of the federal Parliament, and former Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader John Tory.

Mayoral candidates have until Sept. 12 to register for the Oct. 27 election.