L.A. Votes: Poll shows dead heat but finance reports show large gap

With under two weeks to go until election day, the race to become the city’s next mayor is extremely volatile.

A new poll shows Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti in a virtual dead heat, a vast improvement for Greuel, who was down by double digits in a USC Price/L.A. Times poll a month ago. The new poll also shows a growing gender gap as Greuel has increasingly emphasized that she would be the first female mayor of Los Angeles. A new television ad by a union representing city employees trumpets the historic nature of Greuel’s bid.

Simultaneously, new financial disclosure reports show Greuel’s campaign committee has roughly one-tenth the cash on hand of Garcetti in the final days of the campaign. But independent committees and spending by city employee unions on Greuel’s behalf are helping fill the gap.

FULL COVERAGE: L.A.’s Race for Mayor

The duo has faced criticism for their nearly indistinguishable records during their more than 10 years at Los Angeles City Hall. But a Times review finds that when it comes to their lifestyles, they dwell in very different worlds.

In other contests, the race to replace Garcetti on the City Council has been marked by acrimony, with prosecutors investigating allegations of voter fraud.

L.A. ELECTIONS 2013: Sign up for our email newsletter

Mike Feuer continued to lead Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich in fundraising, reports filed late Thursday showed. Feuer, a former councilman and past member of the state Assembly, raised $208,753 during the latest reporting period, bringing his total for the upcoming general election to $524,776. Trutanich brought in $109,897 during the same period, for a total of $313,497.

ALSO:

Fund set up for victims’ families, survivors of Bay Area limo fire

Pit bulls fatally maul jogger, remain on the loose; warning issued

Simi Valley councilman defends sharing beheading video on Facebook

Comments, questions or tips on city elections? Tweet me at @LATSeema