Lungren Receives Riordan’s Support

Aimed at boosting the campaign of Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan on Saturday made a rare foray into state politics by endorsing his fellow Republican for governor.

“Safety and education are two principled reasons why I am supporting Dan Lungren,” Riordan explained in a statement. “Dan has led the fight against crime throughout his career.”

Although a Republican mayor endorsing a Republican candidate for governor is not particularly surprising, Riordan has offered his support across party lines--notably to Democrat Dianne Feinstein in her successful 1994 bid for reelection to the U.S. Senate.

Riordan rankled both Lungren and Gov. Pete Wilson earlier this year by publicly mulling a bid for the governorship until just prior to the candidacy filing deadline.

Among other benefits, Lungren may be hoping that Riordan’s popularity with Latino voters will help his campaign, which needs to piece together a varied coalition to defeat Democratic Lt. Gov. Gray Davis.

Lungren said he was proud to be endorsed by Riordan.

“[Riordan] has stood for changing the system of criminal justice in Los Angeles and I have stood for that on the state level,” Lungren said in a statement.