by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright May 19, 2005
All Rights Reserved.

ormer California Assembly Speaker and Los Angles City Councilman Antonio R. Villaraigosa burst into the national spotlight, beating incumbent Mayor James K. Hahn in a landslide victory. Hahn's collapse surprised experts, expecting a more competitive contest from the former city controller, city attorney and scion of one of LA's best known political families—son of the popular County Supervisor James Kenneth [“Kenny”] Hahn. Four years ago, Hahn beat Villaraigosa, a virtual unknown to the LA political scene, by only 7%, largely on the strength of his father's relationship with the African American community. When Hahn unceremoniously dumped Police Chief Bernard C. Parks in 2002, he wrote his political obituary. In 2001, voters gave Hahn the benefit of the doubt, eking out slim win when you consider his background. After four years in office, voters had enough.

      Villaraigosa captured the same wide coalition that broke the color barrier, helping the late Mayor Tom Bradley beat three-term incumbent Sam Yorty. All neighborhoods, ethnic and age groups joined Antonio in what looks like paradigm shift in LA politics. In the end, Hahn tried, but failed, to appeal to white conservative voters, a strange target group for a liberal Democrat. Unlike four years ago, Hahn couldn't paint Villaraigosa as left-wing extremist, a Chicano separatist and card-carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union—though he certainly tried. Membership on LA's diverse City Council gave Antonio the credibility to withstand Hahn's political attacks. When most key endorsements went to Villaraigosa, Hahn's fundraising dried up, leaving Antonio with a bigger bankroll to finance TV ads highlighting corruption scandals City Hall, putting the incumbent on the defensive.

      Hahn's low approval ratings stemmed less from campaign finance scandals or corruption than from his awkward public style, leaving him uncomfortable in front of the cameras. Hahn won the policy-wonk battles in the debates but lost the personality war, displaying an uncomfortable public persona. Villaraigosa kept flashing that winning smile, prompting Hahn's childish swipes about Antonio's pretty face. “You all know that I love LA, but tonight, I really love LA,” said an exhausted but beaming Villaraigosa, declaring victory on a festive night at the LA Performing Arts Center, just west of downtown. For all the cynics that insist nothing will change, you can't underestimate the power of symbols and unbridled energy. While Antonio declared “his purpose”—as opposed to victory—it was his energy and enthusiasm that moved the audience, not promises about more busses or better schools.

      Looking at the big picture, an old school bureaucrat was beaten by a new school idealist, something sadly missing from the bitterly partisan politics dominating the headlines. “It doesn't matter if you grew up on the Eastside or Sylmar. We are all Angelenos,” said Villaraigosa, living proof of the American Dream—a troubled kid from the barrio that worked hard and made it to the top. Ironically, Hahn criticized Villaraigosa's drive and ambition, telling voters he couldn't be trusted to fill out his term as City Councilman and now mayor. Hahn miscalculated that ambition is at the core of the American character, something transcending ethnicity and background. Hahn joked about suffering from “charisma deficit disorder,” but it's hard to lash out at pursuing your goals. Villaraigosa's intoxicating appeal stems from his faith and passion in living out the American Dream.

      Beaming positive energy, Antonio offers hope to all individuals willing to work and strive for a better life. Unlike 2001, Villaraigosa's campaign knew it must respond in kind in 2005, matching Hahn's attack ads toe-to-toe. While it wasn't pretty, Villaraigosa's handlers led by veteran strategists Ace Smith and Parke Skelton neutralized the unanswered consequences of negative campaigning, regrettably diluting the contagious idealism seen in 2001. “Four years ago, they didn't know Antonio,” said campaign manager and chief consultant Smith. “They know him better now and they know Jim Hahn, as well,” trying to account for Antonio's landslide victory. Smith's right. Voters gave Hahn, whose name was a household word and whose 20 years in elected office established an undeniable track record, the benefit of doubt. It was a different ballgame this time around.

      Faced with a stinging defeat, Hahn has no one to blame but himself. His campaign didn't leave one stone unturned trying to discredit Villaraigosa. “I should have spent more time bragging about what I was doing,” said Hahn, trying to figure out what went wrong. “In some ways, I was a victim of my own success. Every day, I got up and put my heart and passion into this job. I just didn't tell people about it,” admitting he had difficulty selling himself. Boasting about his accomplishments wouldn't have changed the outcome. Whether it was on TV or the campaign trail, Hahn looked stressed and worn out. While taking Hahn's best shots, Antonio got back his wind, kept smiling and whipped up excitement. Ultimately, voters decided it was time for a change. LA got a bright new light. How long it lasts is anyone's guess. But having new energy at the helm can only help facilitate good results.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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