Abstract

When Liberals Collide

The article focuses on the Los Angeles mayoral race. Once again the upcoming March 8 election might see a rematch between incumbent James Hahn and the man he beat last time, former Assembly Speaker and current councilman Antonio Villaraigosa. The five leading contenders in the nonpartisan race are all Democrats. Hahn and Villaraigosa have been running top in the polls at around 20-25 percent. If nobody wins 50 percent in the March balloting, the two top finishers will face off in a second round in May. A recent Los Angeles Times poll revealed that Villaraigosa is leading Hahn among union members in spite of labor's official endorsement. Villaraigosa has lined up the support not only of a majority of Latinos but also of environmental groups such as the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. He remains popular among middle-class liberal activists and union rank and file. The gay Stonewall Democratic clubs have also endorsed him. But he has confounded some of his once fervent progressive supporters. His campaign this year lacks the fire and vision that ignited his 2001 run.