N.Y. Times story on California governor's race peeks inside Villaraigosa dressing room

Here’s some interesting timing. On the same day that Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held his inaugural ceremony, the New York Times posted on its website a lengthy magazine cover story on the 2010 race for California governor – one that, as of last week, no longer factors Villaraigosa as a contender.

The beaming face on the cover was that of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom – standing in a beach setting not all that different from the one used by Villaraigosa on the cover of Newsweek four years ago. Villaraigosa, of course, announced live on CNN that he would not run for statewide office.

According to the piece, writer Mark Leibovich went to Villaraigosa’s State of the City Speech in April as part of his research into the upcoming gubernatorial race. During that visit, he accidentally entered the mayor’s dressing room and later concluded that Villaraigosa, of all the potential candidates for governor, seemed to be having “the least fun” at his job.

-- David Zahniser

Photo: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in the Los Angeles bureau. Credit: Damian Dovarganes / AP

Comments

[Mario]

It could just be me, but I think like the stock market, real estate, and other financial corrections, the mayor banked too much on projected visions, and pinned himself into a corner. Too often he came out on the losing end of issues, which is a bad sign for any leadership position.

The fight with LAUSD, didnt produce results, Los Angeles is failing its students in record numbers.

The airport extension project, disrupted lives in Westchester

He took off to campaign for Senator Clinton, who did not win the nomination.

He came out in public view and declared that there is no illegal immigration problem.

He fought to limit law enforcement from questioning gang member legal status, that could have saved Americans from victimization.

He came out in support of the gay rights agenda, when the majority of Californians voted against it.

He divorced his wife under unethical conditions.

He dumped the mistress that caused his divorce soon after.

and Los Angeles, is in financial distress, and the only plan he has is selling Los Angeles to emerging interests...

When you compare the record, there is nothing there, but politics. pinning yourself in too deep with special interest, created a no win situation, and even though I think he would have been a better contender than Gavin, Brown would have beat him out hands down.

Now, Los Angeles has enough politicians, what we need is leadership to get us back on track. Stop denying the facts Mr. Mayor, fire your staff who is feeding you inaccurate information, and get LA together, and next term, see you in Sac.