New LA- Top Finishers in LA Mayor's Race from Progressive Wing

[Nathan Newman]

Given the importance of turnout in a followup runoff, it would seem that
Villaraigosa with his union support has the upper hand against Hahn,
although the conservative LAers who voted for some of the other candidates
may migrate to Hahn - which is probably his main chance to pull off the win.

But the result definately shows a radically different LA from much of the
past.

-- Nathan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Morris" <bobmorris at mediaone.net>
To: <lbo-talk at lists.panix.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 12:04 PM
Subject: RE: New LA- Top Finishers in LA Mayor's Race from Progressive Wing


>In LA yesterday, the demographics of turnout decisively moved from 1993
when Riordan was first elected.  White voters were only 52% of voters
yesterday and the top two finishers were James Hahn, whose base was in the
black community, and Villaraigosa, backed by latinos and labor.

Villaraigosa, who surprised me by coming in first in the primary at 30%
against Hahn's 25%, appears to be putting together a coalition of Latinos,
Jews, and Westsiders (the most liberal part of L.A.).  Hahn is liberal,
Villaraigosa, who I voted for, is a genuine progressive.  This is really
good news for L.A.

And Tom Hayden, who has tirelessly championed progressive views while in the
State Assembly and Senate, came in first at 30% in his bid to be on the City
Council.

The runoffs are in June, six weeks from now.