Christopher Backs Hahn, Campaign Says in Statement

Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher, whose name is synonymous with efforts to reform the Los Angeles Police Department, has endorsed the mayoral bid of City Atty. James K. Hahn, the Hahn campaign said Saturday.

A month before the April 10 election, Christopher’s nod is among the most prized personal endorsements because of his stature as a statesman and nonpartisan force in city affairs. Christopher, a Democrat, led the 1991 commission, formed after the Rodney G. King beating, that called for extensive changes in Police Department policies and practices.

A statement issued by the Hahn campaign quoted Christopher as saying that Hahn “shares my strong commitment to achieving real and lasting reform of the Los Angeles Police Department” and “has a proven record of working with communities across Los Angeles.” Christopher could not be reached for comment.

Christopher, 75, is a senior partner in the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers.