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Don't be surprised if you get a phone call from pro basketball star and former L.A. Laker Shaquille O'Neal. The retired NBA player has just recorded a "robo-call" touting his support for Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's bid for District Attorney.
Here's the full text of the recording:
“Hi, this is Shaquille O’Neal asking you to join me in supporting Carmen Trutanich for LA County District Attorney. Who’s Carmen Trutanich? He’s the only man I trust to work with our kids to keep them safe at school and away from gangs. Carmen Trutanich wants to prevent crime by providing more after school, job training and apprenticeship programs. Trust me. I don’t get involved in politics very often. But, as a Father and police officer, when it comes to our kids, I’m going to get involved. You should too by voting for Carmen Trutanich for District Attorney. Thank you for your time.”
Shaq isn't shy when it comes to making endorsement deals, though this one is clearly less high-profile or lucrative than, say, Pepsi or Reebok (both of which he's shilled for in the past). He also has an extensive background in law enforcement--on what some might say was the "right" side of the law.
Trutanich, natch, thinks having Shaq lend his voice to his campaign is a slam dunk, as explained in a statement:
“This endorsement speaks volumes about the support that my campaign has garnered since first entering the race, from law enforcement groups, to labor, public safety, elected leaders, community leaders, and now superstar icons like Shaq. As a reserve law enforcement officer for Police Departments across the country, who just completed his Doctorate in Education, Shaq understands the balance between education and law enforcement that our county needs. He has shown a willingness to give back to his community and transcend the trappings of celebrity, and I welcome his support and his civic engagement.”
Trutanich is up against five county prosecutors in what the L.A. Times recently called "an election dogfight." One of the prosecutors objection to Trutanich calling himself "chief prosecutor," and sued him. A judge agreed with the prosecutor, and Trutanich will be on the ballot as "Los Angeles city prosecutor."
You can listen to the robo call starring O'Neal here.
