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Antonio to Run??

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Over at L.A. Observed, some fantastic rumor-mongering: "About that gathering race for mayor, everybody I spoke with today for a magazine piece I'm writing had heard the same rumor: Antonio Villaraigosa intends to join the fray next week with an official announcement that he is gunning for a rematch. If true, that should make things deliciously complicated for a whole bunch of people already struggling to choose sides without losing friends. Perhaps no one is in as awkward a spot as county labor chief Miguel Contreras — a Villaraigosa confidante last time, but a Hahn airport commissioner (and key supporter of the mayor's LAX plan) ever since."

If Councilmember Villaraigosa enters the fray, he's an immediate favorite to make the runoff. But why has he waited so long? He's squandered months of valuable fundraising time, and some support has already begun to rally around Bob Hertzberg as the anti-Hahn candidate. But the media is probably desperate to get a figure in this race who's worth spilling some ink for, and Antonio's got the charisma to get the coverage. Will anyone care about him ditching his repeated pledges to remain CD14's representative for at least a full term? Will Mayor Yawn once again bring up the Carlos Vignali affair [second item] that dashed Villaraigosa's hopes in 2001?

LAist is rooting for an interesting and compelling mayoral race, so we're hoping the rumors are true. Given the support for Hertzberg among Valley loyalists, and the love for Chief Parks among South L.A. blacks, we're also wondering if Hahn will even make the runoff should Antonio join the race.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@laist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
July 1, 2004 7:06 AM

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