Lacking Union Clout, Villaraigosa Turns to Volunteers

Nearly 300 people crowded into an old bar in Boyle Heights on Saturday morning to kick off volunteer efforts on behalf of mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa.

“This campaign is about hope,” Villaraigosa said. “This campaign is not just about excitement. It’s about empowerment.”

Munching pan dulce, sipping orange juice and coffee, and chanting, “An-ton-io” and “Si, se puede” (Yes, we can), the volunteers listened to speeches by their candidate and his wife, Corina, then fanned out across the city’s Eastside to knock on doors and urge residents to go to the polls March 8.

“I have seen that Antonio has helped us a lot,” said Isabel Aguiniga. The 50-year-old immigrant from Mexico, who volunteered for Villaraigosa’s unsuccessful bid against Mayor James K. Hahn four years ago, spent hours walking precincts in support of the councilman.

Villaraigosa also faces three other formidable candidates: state Sen. Richard Alarcon, Councilman and former Police Chief Bernard C. Parks and former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg.

Other volunteers stayed behind on the second floor of the high-ceilinged campaign headquarters to use the free weekend minutes on their cellphones to call voters.

Four years ago, Villaraigosa’s campaign for mayor was aided by a massive influx of volunteers and money from organized labor.

But this time, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has endorsed Hahn, rewarding an incumbent who has consistently supported the labor agenda.

For Villaraigosa, that means volunteer efforts are that much more important to a successful campaign.

“What will differentiate Antonio is we can put thousands of people out into the field who are really committed to his candidacy,” said campaign strategist Parke Skelton.

Similar events are planned across the city in the coming weeks.