Villaraigosa challenger qualifies for matching funds in mayor's race
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Walter Moore has officially qualified for city matching funds and collected a $43,000 check for his campaign. Moore is one of the nine candidates challenging Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the city’s March 3 primary election, and is the only challenger to raise enough in campaign contributions to qualify for city matching funds.
Candidates must raise at least $150,000 in contributions of $500 or less from individuals to qualify. Moore had raised close to $203,000 as of Jan. 17, but had spent all of it, city Ethics Commission records show. So the dough will come in handy.
"It’s great ... I can really do a lot with $43,000," Moore said, adding he expects to qualify for even more in the weeks ahead.
In past elections, candidates had to raise enough money to qualify for matching funds to be invited to official candidate debates. And by accepting matching funds, a candidate agrees to debate his opponents. Villaraigosa has opted not to accept matching funds -- and has refused to debate Moore or any other mayoral candidate. Villaraigosa has raised $2.7 million in contributions and had $1.9 million on hand as of last week.
"For the first time in his political career, Villaraigosa has turned down matching funds. That shows how scared he is to debate me," said Moore, a business attorney from Carthay Circle.
At campaign events, Moore often accuses Villaraigosa of turning Los Angeles into a "Third World" city by supporting its status as a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants. None of the other candidates have raised more than $3,500 in contributions, records show. Moore added that when he deposited his $43,000 city check at his bank, tellers told him they had put a hold on the funds. The bank eventually agreed to immediately unfreeze $10,000, he said.
-- Phil Willon
Go get him Mr. Moore! I am sickened by what our 'sanctuary' guests have done to MacArthur Park. I am also sickened by the amount of illegal sales of merchandise on Sixth Street - that no one but an illegal immigrant would get by with. If I sold tameles/hot dogs - with unwashed hands - in front of Villaraigosa's home in Hancock Park, I would be arrested immediately! \
But as a representative of councilman Edward Reyes' recently told me - "if you want utoptia, move somewhere else, the underground economy is important to this city". Would the councilman to Beverly Hills tell his constiuents the same? I think not!!!!!!!
If anyone would like to join me in selling illegally downloaded dvds/cds, watches and clothing illegally imported from China in front of Villaraigosa's and Reyes' home, please let me know! Members of the LAPD have told me in private how their careers are toast if they try to enforce THE LAW in MacArthur Park - except when Chief Bratton is eating at Langers Deli.
Stephen Roos - h2o14@comcast.net
cc. Steve Lopez, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration Customs Enforcement
Posted by: Stephen | January 29, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Why should we elect a mayor that won't take 60 minutes for a debate?
The last election, he refused to debate in English, what does that tell you about who he represents?
Posted by: Cheryl Cornell | January 29, 2009 at 11:00 PM
It is un-American for Villaraigosa not to debate a rival candidate and we, the citizens of Los Angeles, should demand it. What does the acceptance of matching funds have to do with a debate? What a stupid rule. Call him out Walter Moore, show him for the intellectual midget and moral coward that he is!
Posted by: Diane | January 30, 2009 at 04:28 AM
Is there a "Hispanics for MOORE" group? Sign me up!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 30, 2009 at 06:21 AM
Wal-TER! ... Wal-TER! ... Wal-TER! ... Wal-TER! ...
Posted by: Pauli | January 30, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Is that true, Villars refused to debate in English?
Los Angeles America needs you to take back Los Angeles. We need leaders that are loyal to America.
Los Angeles America is counting on you - help Walter Moore get elected.
Americans are leaving Los Angeles. Walter Moore can and will clean up Los Angeles!
America is watching, praying and hoping you will take care of this.
Posted by: Lynn | January 30, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I am quite quite unsatisfied with Mayor Tony and his poor performance.
He has done little and next to nothing to bring improvements to LA.
He is in support of too too many special interest groups.
Too many photo ops.
His fragmented speeches are like fingernails on glass.
He has divided the city among racial lines—every nationality has their own town..
He avoids important pointed media matters questions and avoids tough issues.
He’s allowed the downtown LA businesses to carry on illegal hiring practices.
He wasted millions of our dollars on that failed 1 million tree planting plan.
He wasted his time filling pot holes
Giving away saplins in Styrofoam cups is not tree planting.
He used the Metro train wreck for a week long photo op.
Now he refuses the tax paying “audience” the Mayoral debate we deserve”
He wants 1 billion dollars for a green project when this city and state are broke.
He just recently authorizes to pay 12million dollars in a city law suit, because of an LAPD snafu against illegal aliens.
We need change in LA.
In short, I am casting my vote for Walter Moore. He by far cares more about fair practices and the development of LA than Mayor Tony, The City council members, city supervisors and the govenator but together.
I am so frustrated with the way this city is run, I called Tom LaBonges office to find out to whom can I send a compliant that will be heard “unconditionally” Their 1st suggestion was to the call the mayor’s office. HA HA. I said no thanks. Whos next on the list ?, I said. I turned down the entire protocol, clear up the the Govenor. I want Washington DC to hear my pains and complaints in regards of the complete mismanagement of Los Angeles and California. I think I am getting my wish. Now the entire country knows that we are bankrupt. Finally LA ‘s dirty laundry, and LA’s money “dole-out system” is hanging out to dry.
I want DC to see this note. I will suggest to Capitol Hill DO NOT give Mayor Villarraigosa or Govenor Swartzeneggar one thin dime until our city and state are cleaned of its terrible corruption and wasteful spending.
DC needs to keep an eye on LA During This Mayor’s Race.
Ps Walter Moore for Mayor.
Posted by: GENE | February 08, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Villar and his cronies (Weiss, Gruel), in addition to most of our City Council, should all be removed March 3rd. They disrespect the taxpayers in Los Angeles, disregard the need for budget balance, and insult our intelligence with "fees," favortism, and blind-eyes to illegal immigration (talk to a teacher, nurse or law enforcement officer to get the skinny on that problem). We need to get back to the basics...honesty, trust, and full disclosure from our City representatives. No more special interests' favors or back room deals. No more multi-million dollar "payouts" to unsubstantiated claims, "because it's politically correct." We citizens know who the self-serving politicians are, and we Citizens should make it our responsibility to excise these candidates of waste. I believe there is still hope, and I believe a first step is to elect Walter Moore as Mayor of Los Angeles, Kathleen Evans for City Controller, David Berger for City Attorney and Craig Wilson for City Council District 11. Please support this "Change"!
Posted by: zookeeper91326 | February 21, 2009 at 01:24 AM