2008 Woodie Awards
Villaraigosa Rally at Valley College Draws Democratic Heavy Hitters
More than a dozen prominent figures in the Democratic Party came out in support of Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa.
LaGina Phillips and Maggie Ownbey
Issue date: 5/4/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
A rally for mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa at Valley College Saturday brought out a slew of major political figures/stars including council member and former Police Chief Bernard Parks, State Senator Richard Alarcon and State Senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry.
"He's a stand-up guy, he'll do a great job. He'll address a number of challenging issues," Kerry told The Valley Star. "We need strong leadership."
Villaraigosa spoke to a crowd of more than 500 about the importance of expanding the public transportation system, shifting to solar energy to become less reliant on electricity and investing in biotech, such as with stem cell research.
Villaraigosa will square off against incumbent James Hahn in a runoff election for the mayorship of Los Angeles on May 17. The two were the top finishers in the 2001 race, with Villaraigosa winning the general election but Hahn garnering enough votes to force the runoff that he eventually won. Hahn again trailed Villaraigosa in this year's general election, but this time the challenger holds a commanding 18-point lead, according to a recent Los Angeles Times poll.
"If you're willing to accept mediocrity then you better be willing to live with it," said Villaraigosa of his opponent. "It's time for a fresh start in L.A."
While Parks didn't speak at the rally, his presence spoke volumes. When Parks ran for a second term three years ago, Hahn failed to back the chief, costing him the endorsements of many prominent black leaders in the city.
There was no shortage of Hahn supporters at the rally, speaking out against Villaraigosa.
"We're going out there to tell voters about the real Antonio," said Art Pulido of the Viva Hahn campaign, who claims that Villaraigosa has abandoned his responsibilities as a council member to campaign for mayor.
Villaraigosa's platform focuses on public transportation and health care, while Hahn's main concern is traffic and education.
Charges of corruption surround the race, as Hahn is being investigated for issuing contracts in exchange for campaign contributions, and Villaraigosa faces a probe by District Attorney Steve Cooley's office into possible money laundering over a $41,000 campaign donation from a Miami-based business.
"There's a brown haze over city hall-it's time for a fresh start," Villaraigosa told the crowd. "Too much derision, not enough vision,"
"Antonio Villaraigosa will be a mayor for all of Los Angeles," Kerry said to the crowd.
 Media Credit: Greg Burmann Greg Burmann / Valley Star GRIP OF SUPPORT - Sen. John Kerry supports Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa during a rally at Valley College Saturday. |
"He's a stand-up guy, he'll do a great job. He'll address a number of challenging issues," Kerry told The Valley Star. "We need strong leadership."
Villaraigosa spoke to a crowd of more than 500 about the importance of expanding the public transportation system, shifting to solar energy to become less reliant on electricity and investing in biotech, such as with stem cell research.
Villaraigosa will square off against incumbent James Hahn in a runoff election for the mayorship of Los Angeles on May 17. The two were the top finishers in the 2001 race, with Villaraigosa winning the general election but Hahn garnering enough votes to force the runoff that he eventually won. Hahn again trailed Villaraigosa in this year's general election, but this time the challenger holds a commanding 18-point lead, according to a recent Los Angeles Times poll.
"If you're willing to accept mediocrity then you better be willing to live with it," said Villaraigosa of his opponent. "It's time for a fresh start in L.A."
While Parks didn't speak at the rally, his presence spoke volumes. When Parks ran for a second term three years ago, Hahn failed to back the chief, costing him the endorsements of many prominent black leaders in the city.
There was no shortage of Hahn supporters at the rally, speaking out against Villaraigosa.
"We're going out there to tell voters about the real Antonio," said Art Pulido of the Viva Hahn campaign, who claims that Villaraigosa has abandoned his responsibilities as a council member to campaign for mayor.
Villaraigosa's platform focuses on public transportation and health care, while Hahn's main concern is traffic and education.
Charges of corruption surround the race, as Hahn is being investigated for issuing contracts in exchange for campaign contributions, and Villaraigosa faces a probe by District Attorney Steve Cooley's office into possible money laundering over a $41,000 campaign donation from a Miami-based business.
"There's a brown haze over city hall-it's time for a fresh start," Villaraigosa told the crowd. "Too much derision, not enough vision,"
"Antonio Villaraigosa will be a mayor for all of Los Angeles," Kerry said to the crowd.
