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Molina-Alatorre Feud Spills Into Council Race

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

The long feud between Eastside political powers Gloria Molina and Richard Alatorre spilled over into the San Fernando Valley on Friday, when the two lawmakers endorsed competing candidates in the 7th District City Council race.

Molina announced her support of Corinne Sanchez, while Alatorre endorsed Alex Padilla.

Molina, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and Councilman Alatorre have been at odds politically for more than a decade, with each backing different Eastside candidates and frequently throwing their weight behind competing bidders for government contracts.

Sanchez, a 51-year-old attorney, also has the backing of state Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar), the former 7th District councilman.

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Padilla, a 25-year-old MIT graduate and legislative aide, has the support of Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) and Mayor Richard Riordan, and on Friday also picked up the endorsement of the San Fernando Valley chapter of the Mexican American Political Assn.

Molina disclosed her endorsement during a speech Friday at a campaign fund-raiser for Sanchez.

Sanchez, who runs the health services charity El Proyecto del Barrio, said she believes northeast Valley voters will be more swayed by Molina’s endorsement than Alatorre’s.

In fact, the Padilla campaign did not disclose the Alatorre endorsement until asked about it Friday, and it is unlikely the scandal-plagued councilman will make appearances in the 7th District on Padilla’s behalf.

Others competing for the 7th District seat in the April 13 election are Raul Godinez II, Ollie McCaulley, Barbara Perkins and Tony Lopez.

Also Friday, state Sen. Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), said he will not endorse anyone in the 7th District race.

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