Villaraigosa carrying Democrats’ flag at Republican convention

TAMPA, Fla. -- The last person many would expect to see at the Republican National Convention is the chairman of the Democrats’ rival effort next week. But there was Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Sunday night, mixing and mingling with reporters and GOP strategists at a late-night dinner here.

Villaraigosa, who will head up the Democratic National Convention next week in Charlotte, N.C., was spotted at the swanky Mise en Place supper club after dining with GOP strategist Ana Navarro.

He said he plans to be in the area until Tuesday evening to offer his critique of the Republicans’ message.

“I’m here to compare and contrast the two agendas -- the two conventions, and the choice that we have before us,” Villaraigosa said.

Asked about the biggest obstacles President Obama faces, Villaraigosa said it was the level of attacks being slung at the president.

“Failure!” Navarro interjected.

Then, as he was being asked another question, Villaraigosa said, “Oh, you’ve got enough” and walked away.

-- Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times