Hahn Files Campaign Papers for 2005 Election

Mayor James K. Hahn filed papers Tuesday to begin raising money for reelection in 2005, becoming the first citywide candidate to launch a campaign.

Hahn’s filing preceded the City Council’s consideration today of changes in campaign finance rules for the 2005 election. Hahn opposes some of the changes recommended by the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, and his filing could complicate the debate.

Hahn opposes commission proposals to limit the fund-raising period to 18 months before an election, rather than the current 24 months, and to accelerate the city’s payment of matching funds to candidates in certain situations.

By filing papers Tuesday for the March 2005 election, Hahn could bolster the position of those on the council who oppose changing election rules after the 2005 campaigns have begun.

Dan Tokaji, the president of California Common Cause, said he hopes that the council does not delay action because of Hahn’s candidacy.

“That should not be an excuse to delay these important measures,” Tokaji said.

Deputy Mayor Matt Middlebrook said the timing of Hahn’s filing is “totally unrelated” to the council debate.

Middlebrook said the council’s Rules and Elections Committee already had rejected shortening the fund-raising period and is recommending in the report to be considered today by the full council that the period remain at 24 months.

Hahn has threatened to veto any change that would accelerate the provision of matching funds to candidates whose opponents benefit from large independent campaigns.