2008 Woodie Awards
Villaraigosa Romps to Become L.A.'s First Latino Mayor in 133 Years
Avalanche of negative ads turn off voters - apparently on both sides.
Maggie Ownbey
Issue date: 5/18/05 Section: News
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Villaraigosa's lead in the polls leading up to the election got as high as 14 points; he surpassed even that margin by administering a 17.5-point thumping on Tuesday night. Despite drastically lowering crime and the considerable power of the incumbency, Hahn was never able to excite the electorate in his drive for a second term. The challenger's dynamic personality was often cited by voters who preferred him but couldn't put a finger on what they didn't like about Hahn.
"I think that Villaraigosa is a better candidate," said sophomore Ashar Ali. "I think he might represent Los Angeles better just because he is a minority."
Hahn and Villaraigosa were the top finishers in the 2001 race, with Villaraigosa winning the general election but Hahn garnering enough votes to force the run-off that he eventually won.
Hahn, not known for a dynamic persona, seemed to come to life late in the campaign as Villaraigosa opened up a huge lead in the polls. Hahn spent millions on ads painting his opponent as soft on crime and untrustworthy, apparently to a significant effect.
Charges of corruption surrounded this year's race, as Hahn is being investigated for issuing contracts in exchange for campaign contributions (the city having recently settled a lawsuit against a public relations firm with close ties to Hahn, which admitted over billing Los Angeles by millions of dollars), while 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.
