L.A. Votes: Greuel campaign shaken up, Garcetti sends new mailers

As Wendy Greuel strives to gain an edge in the mayoral race, her campaign staff has undergone a major shake-up, with the replacement of her campaign manager and the departure of at least four members of her staff.

On Sunday, the controller picked up the endorsement of L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, backing that could help Greuel pick up support among African Americans, a coveted voting bloc. She also announced the backing of former state Assemblyman George Nakano.

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Greuel’s rival in the May 21 runoff, Eric Garcetti, announced the backing of Los Angeles City Council member Joe Buscaino and former state Assemblyman Mike Davis.

The councilman also sent out two mailers to Los Angeles voters. One -- featuring a picture of Garcetti walking alongside President Obama -- is clearly aimed at African American voters in South Los Angeles. It notes that Garcetti was Obama’s California co-chair and that the councilman supports the construction of a rail stop in Leimert Park and building the Crenshaw line underground.

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Comments, questions or tips on city elections? Tweet me at @LATSeema.

seema.mehta@latimes.com