With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Romney, Perry in California seeking Republican support
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney
(
John Moore/Getty Images
)
Texas Governor Rick Perry.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
Listen
Romney, Perry in California seeking Republican support
Leading GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney is in Southern California Wednesday, but the man many Republicans hope will be their nominee may overshadow him.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry is also reportedly in California for another series of meetings with potential donors. Perry, 61, has yet to announce he's a candidate for the Republican nomination, but many political analysts say he'll probably run.
This is Romney's second trip to California in as many weeks for private meetings at mostly undisclosed locations.
Romney's scheduled a news conference and rally at a struggling North Hollywood shopping mall. He hopes the event will illustrate what he calls President Obama's failed economic policies.
Sponsored message
L.A. City Councilman Paul Krekorian, a Democrat who represents the area, plans to meet him at the mall to refute Romney's bleak picture. In a news release, Krekorian said the city's making progress after years of neglect.
But the eyes of many Southern California Republicans are on Perry.
Last week, he met with key GOP leaders in Orange County, including the Republican National committeeman from California, Shawn Steele. Steele remains officially neutral in the race.
Meanwhile, an independent fundraising group set up to support any Perry run has its headquarters in San Diego. Americans for Perry reportedly raised $400,000 within a few weeks, not bad for a someone who has yet to declare his candidacy.
Former state GOP leader Mike Schroeder — Romney's political director in California four years ago — is closely watching Perry's visit.
This time, Schroeder says, he'll likely go with Perry if the Texan throws his hat into the ring.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
