President Obama decides not to endorse in L.A. mayoral runoff
WASHINGTON -- President Obama doesn’t plan to weigh in on the Los Angeles mayoral race because it pits two Democrats against each other, his spokesman said Tuesday.
Obama appreciates the support City Councilman Eric Garcetti has given him over the years, as well as their good working relationship, Press Secretary Jay Carney said. But in keeping with past practice, Carney said, Obama will not wade into a race between fellow Democrats.
The news is a blow for Garcetti, who has emphasized his ties to Obama during his candidacy. Garcetti recently sent out mailers to black voters featuring a picture of himself with Obama.
FULL COVERAGE: L.A.’s race for mayor
His opponent, City Controller Wendy Greuel, has won the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton. Greuel worked in the Clinton administration and was an early supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s candidacy for president.
Garcetti was an early backer of the Obama campaign and served as his California chairman in 2008.
But White House aides have said for weeks that Obama doesn’t want to get involved in an intra-party contest.
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