State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas has formed an exploratory committee to run for Supervisor Yvonne Burke's seat and filed his intent papers today. He told the Downtown News, "I am a product of the district and have lived here all of my life. I have a proven record of leadership and I think I would like to work on behalf of the residents of the Second District." Burke has said she'll likely retire, leaving the race open to such likely candidates as Councilman Bernard Parks and Ridley-Thomas. The election isn't until June.