As predicted in earlier columns, Mayor Jim Hahn and former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg are in a struggle to the death for 2nd place in the runoff, as the new Times Poll shows. Hertzberg has surged into a virtual tie with Hahn around 20%, and Villaraigosa holds a slim lead at 24%. Huggy Hertzberg has taken the first shot of the final week, calling for the resignation of several commissioners who also happen to lead unions which are supporting Hahn, and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars through Independent Expenditure Commitees. LAist agrees with Mayor Sam blogger Chief Parker that Huggy is right to attack these ridiculous appointments. The Mayor makes these appointments entirely at his own discretion. Isn’t this “pay-to-play” of the worst sort, especially since there’s a ban on Commissioner fundraising? Commissioners can’t fundraise, but they can spend hundreds of thousands through IEs? Shame on you, Mayor Hahn. more ›

Although the mayoral candidates have been jousting for position the last 6 months, the next five weeks that will determine who will become the next mayor. Brace yourselves for the onslaught of TV ads, mailers, and phone calls as the candidates will make a play for your support. more ›

Local political junkies are slowly turning their attention from last week’s election to the upcoming City Hall races. The Mayor’s race is attracting the most attention due to the high-profile challengers to Mayor Jim Hahn, though both of Hahn’s fellow City-wide elected officials—City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and City Controller Laura Chick—are up for re-election. The seven eight odd-numbered Council districts will also hold elections, with six seven incumbents seeking re-election and Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski of the 11th Council District leaving office due to term limits. more ›

State Senate candidate George Runner and his wife, Assemblymember Sharon Runner, are poised to be the first husband and wife team to serve in the Legislature at the same time. George Runner was first elected in 1996 to serve in the Assembly and was termed out in 2002. His wife succeeded him and was up for re-election yesterday. more ›