L.A.’s Villaraigosa Backs Kerry
Democratic presidential hopeful John F. Kerry has picked up the endorsement of Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa, and the two plan to tour Boyle Heights together this afternoon.
Villaraigosa said he was approached by several Democratic candidates but chose to back Kerry because the senator from Massachusetts “understands that America has to invest in revitalizing our cities.”
Kerry said he was thrilled with the endorsement, his first from a Los Angeles city official. “He has strong relationships with organized labor, and he’s really one of the rising figures of California politics,” Kerry said.
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has endorsed Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, as has Los Angeles City Councilman Jack Weiss.
City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo has met with Lieberman and Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina but has not yet endorsed anyone, according to a spokesman.
City Council President Alex Padilla has talked with a number of candidates as well, including Edwards, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Lieberman. Political consultant Darry Sragow said Villaraigosa’s endorsement was significant because of the weight he carries with Latino voters and because he is one of the leading political figures in California.
Kerry also has the support of state Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly.
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