by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright May 22, 2001
All Rights Reserved.

aining unstoppable momentum, former California Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa is well on his way to becoming the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since Christobal Aguillar in 1872. Racing toward his date with destiny, the charismatic candidate looks a lot like the Lakers streaking to their next NBA championship. Up to the task, the meticulously attired, liberal East LA native made a true believer out of Republican Mayor Richard Riordan, whose critical endorsement came last week. It’s all but over for his genteel opponent City Atty. James Hahn, whose campaign got stuck in South Central where his legendary father served the County Board of Supervisors for more than 30 years. With Riordan’s endorsement comes Steve Soboroff’s Westside and West Valley support, more than enough votes to propel Villaraigosa to an easy victory on June 5. Unable to inspire Westside voters, Hahn’s campaign stalled sometime before the April 10 election, when his numbers began unraveling. Since then, he’s been unable to pull together the many disparate groups once known as the “Bradley coalition.”

       Acknowledging the slippage, Hahn’s campaign turned negative attacking Villaraigosa for California’s current energy crisis when the former Speaker supported deregulation along with a bipartisan group of 120 legislators back in 1996. “First, he should acknowledge ‘I screwed up here,’” said Hahn’s chief campaign consultant Kam Kuwata, taking a shot at Villaraigosa’s credibility. Rolling up his sleeves and displaying the kind of charisma that’s pushed him into the lead, Villaraigosa sounded a positive note to a group of enthusiastic supporters at Temple Kol Tikvah in Woodland Hills. “I’m a consultant’s nightmare,” said Antonio, “But now I want to share with you my heart.” Speaking off the cuff, “I believe that hope trumps fear,” said Villaraigosa, “I believe that people want this city to work,” refusing to counterattack Hahn for criticizing his legislative record. Frontrunners don’t need to bite and scratch for votes. Taking the high road and outlining key policy goals, Villaraigosa’s looking a lot like the next mayor. With the clock running out, Hahn’s campaign is getting that sinking feeling.

       Winning 20% of the vote on April 10, former mayoral candidate Steve Soboroff held the wildcard to winning the runoff election. His coalition of both conservative and liberal Valley and Westside voters was up for grabs but critical to Hahn’s bid for mayor. With Villaraigosa forming a strong bond with Jewish voters, Hahn’s appeal to conservative Valley and Westside voters fizzled. Riordan’s endorsement landed a quiet knock out punch to Hahn’s chances. It’s no accident that Villaraigosa’s announced policy positions mirror Riordan’s and Soboroff’s key agendas on police, education and traffic abatement. With Villaraigosa’s lock on the Hispanic vote, Hahn’s recent endorsement by State Senator Richard Polonco won’t have much impact. Undecided votes—largely seniors—left over from City Councilman Joel Wachs, won’t favor either candidate. More important than endorsements is the air of inevitability now beginning to swirl around the popular Assembly speaker. Breaking his way, Villaraigosa’s a step closer to City Hall.

       Bridging LA’s ethnic divide, Villaraigosa managed to cobble together an impressive North-East-West coalition, somehow eluding South Central, whose African American community seems in Hahn’s corner. But even in South Central, he’s pulling from Hispanics who now occupy the fastest growing minority in the wholesale district. While both men are going the distance, it’s Villaraigosa who seems to have spring in his step. Placed in front of the cameras, the former Assembly Speaker looks like he’s having fun. Less extroverted, Hahn sometimes appears like he’d rather be anywhere other than in front of the cameras. Aside from his politics, Villaraigosa fits the image, frequently beaming wide smiles and abundant enthusiasm. “His story is a wonderful American story that will give inspiration to thousands of minority children,” remarked Antonio Rodriguez, an Eastside attorney who has known Villaraigosa since his days as “Tony Villar,” a little known UCLA student and union organizer. Striking a cord with voters, Villaraigosa personifies the self-made man, whose fabled life from the streets of East LA to the marble of the State Assembly reads like a Hollywood script.

       In contrast, Hahn’s 25 years of public service seems hopelessly linked to his father’s legacy on the Board of Supervisors. While racking up some impressive accomplishments as City Controller and City Attorney, Hahn’s known for his mild-mannered, business-like disposition. Pointing to his work as City Atty., he frequently cites his tough stance on crime, sponsoring injunctions against local street gangs. Neither candidate has taken a definitive stand on LA’s plague of urban homelessness nor Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’ passion to refurbish the LA Memorial Coliseum and return pro football to Los Angeles. Improving neighborhoods, adding more police, reducing crime and making Los Angeles more habitable is high on the list for both candidates. While Hahn will accomplish this through his close familiarity with city bureaucracy, Villaraigosa hopes to inspire disparate groups from a bully pulpit. Their leadership styles couldn’t be more stark: Villaraigosa leads by charisma and Hahn with quiet administrative skill. With issues a virtual wash, the race hinges on who voters prefer watching on TV.

       Complaining about a tight budget, Hahn expressed regrets about the influence of outside money—especially from unions and the Democratic Party—injecting itself into the mayor’s race. “I’ve got to stretch my dollar farther,” said Hahn, referring to Villaraigosa’s prodigious war chest from which to finance TV ads. Sure, Villaraigosa has deeper pockets, but it’s precisely because he’s received more endorsements from mainstream sources. In the end, you can’t blame candidates for generating the kind of popularity that spawns big gifts—more power to him. Bubbly, vivacious and energetic, Villaraigosa has many people enthused about the prospects of having another buoyant personality at City Hall. While he and mayor Riordan come from different worlds, they share boundless energy and eternal optimism. Transcending parties and ethnic groups, Villaraigosa captured the enthusiasm of voters hungry for greatness in Los Angeles. Daring to be great, he’s earned his seat at the helm.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in political consulting and strategic public relations. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

©1999-2012 Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc.
(310) 204-8300
All Rights Reserved.