The Los Angeles Mayor's Race, aka the Real Candidates of L.A. City (Part 1)
The Girl is less than thrilled over this Los Angeles Mayor's race for obvious reasons: Kevin James did not make the runoff. He was the only Conservative running for the office, and whatever Conservative/Republican base we have left in Los Angeles decided not to show up at the polls. The apathy in this town is thicker than the smog.
So we are stuck with Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti, Liberal vs. Liberal City Council retreads, trying to out spend each other, and inspire the voting base to actually get out to the polls on May 21. Good luck with that....
My latest Washington Times Communities article talks about the overabundance of charisma that the departing Mayor Smilin' Tony exuded--with little else besides that--and the lack of that same charisma exhibited from either of the two candidates:
"Villaraigosa clearly represents where we have come: the reality televisionization of politics. Substance no longer matters—give us drama, bigger-than-life personalities, and some good fights. Rome may be burning, but if you look good, and spin a good yarn while it happens, who cares? As this is the town that creates all those illusions in the first place, it should come as no surprise that L.A. is the poster child of the celebrity Mayor."
Read the rest here.
Speaking of drama, Wendy Greuel appears to have a penchant for it. My man Kevin has already endorsed Eric Garcetti, in part because Garcetti is not completely bought and paid for by the city unions, like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. LADWP has already poured millions into Greuel's campaign, and will probably continue to do so up until the day of the election.
What's that phrase? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned ? Apparently Wendy's fury is now directed at Mr. Kevin James.
A recent direct-mail campaign targeted at the African-American and Latino communities highlights, "Garcetti's endorsement from white Republican Kevin James, who finished third in the March 5 primary."
"'He's an Obama hater!'" the mailer says, highlighting some of James' more intemperate remarks about the president. 'Say no to Eric Garcetti! He sold us out to win Republican votes!'"
Beware the power of technology, Wendy. The Kevin James for Mayor website has posted the text messages between Wendy and Kevin, not too long after the primary election results. From my read, Wendy is practically chasing down Kevin for his endorsement. Of course, when she did not get it, suddenly Kevin is an evil monster who is racist, white (shock!), and right-wing.
It seems that Wendy knows how to go on the attack, but aside from being a woman, doesn't rate at doing much else. Mayor Sam has documented well on his blog Ms. Greuel's attacks against those she considers opponents, bombastic overreach during her years of "public service" , and constant grandstanding. I recommend giving it a read before you make a decision on who you will vote for on May 21.
And take a gander at this video posted by NearChaosBlog, basically confirming what we all fear: the woman has neither the ethics or experience to manage a city; she's simply a rubber-stamped union toady, who wants to ride into office playing the female card. Joy.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/091GF4lGJig]
Next week, Candidate Garcetti comes under the microscope.