Conservative L.A. mayoral candidate, Kevin James, looks beyond mayoral run-off between Eric Garcetti & Wendy Greuel

In January, I asked the only Republican candidate in L.A.'s mayoral primary, Kevin James, how would a Republican, anti-big-government candidate fare in a largely Democrat city.



In the March 5th primary, Mr. James came in 3rd place- 50% behind Eric Garcetti and 45% behind Wendy Greuel.  As only the top 2 finishers progressed into today's run-off election, I asked Mr. James (who has endorsed Mr. Garcetti in the race) about what he expects for his future in view of a new L.A. city administration.

Los Angeles mayoral candidates debate-excerpts help voters cut through negative advertising

Los Angelenos will go to the polls on May 21 to elect a new mayor, city controller, city attorney, and to vote on propositions for medical marijuana regulation and campaign finance reform. See the League of Women Voters Smart L.A. Voter Guide.


The L.A. Times characterizes the race: A long, expensive (and distinctive) race nears the finish line

Tuesday's election will put either the first woman or the first, elected Jewish leader in the mayor's office. But a more dubious distinction is possible: the lowest turnout for an open mayoral seat. 

DemoCast Media excerpted from Ben Welsh & Michael Finnegan's L.A. Times article:

In a city with more than 2 million eligible voters, roughly 400,000 may cast ballots in this Tuesday's election.  More than 2 million people can vote for mayor of Los Angeles. But if history is a reliable guide, as many as 1.6 million of them will skip Tuesday's election.

Both mayoral candidates Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel have been engaged in negative advertising campaigns.  Watch and judge the candidates, excerpted from this group public debate filmed before the March primary by DemoCast at Congregation Beth Jacob in Beverly Hills.


The polls will be open from 7am to 8pm.  To find your local polling place, click here.

Politicos join journalists to pay tribute to retiring cable-communicator and L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl at L.A. Press Club

Several of the candidates in this Tuesday's election were among the politicos who turned out at the L.A. Press Club on Thursday, 16 May to "Roast and Toast" the retiring Councilman Bill Rosendahl.  Mr. Rosendahl, a former cable executive and host, is credited with revitalizing the Club several years ago.  Organizer, Diana Ljungaeus, president of the Press Club, said, "We are forever grateful to Bill Rosendahl for kick-starting us (the Press Club) again." 


Councilman Dennis Zine extolled Bill Rosendahl for his public service and commented on how his struggle with spinal cancer has galvanized his fellow councilmembers.




Outgoing City Controller and Mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel roasted and toasted Councilman Rosendahl in this poignant speech.



Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan called Mr. Rosendahl, "the conscience of the City Council." 



KNBC-TV journalist and anchorman called Mr. Rosendahl, "Oone of the most committed and one of the most passionate people - he really represents the people of the Westside- and the people of the Westside connect with him."




Councilman Tom LaBonge referenced one of his appearances on Bill Rosendahl's long-running, public-affairs program on public-access cable TV.



Former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Republican mayoral candidate in this election, Kevin James, spoke of their commonalities as homosexuals, civil-servants, and media hosts. Mr. James hosted a civic-activist, talk-radio show on 870KRLA.



Watch the full evening's Roast and Toast, including closing remarks from the honoree himself on his philosophies at this stage in his life. Mr. Rosendahl comments on what he feels are antiquated drug-laws affecting health and society.



Mr. Rosendahl told the gathered audience, "I know I'm only passing through this earth. I have said this since the beginning of my sensibilities about life and death. But you can't take anything with you, anyhow. . . . We're all in a hotel room, folks, and we check in, and we do check out."

Although mayoral candidate, Councilman Garcetti was not present, you can see him here in one of the mayoral debates which candidate Wendy Greuel had been kidding about.


Filmed in January by DemoCast in Beverly Hills.