Rick Caruso crosses party lines, backs Jerry Brown for governor

L.A. mega developer Rick Caruso, the billionaire creator of the Grove and the Americana developments, is a Republican who has been talked about as a candidate for mayor. The Times' Patt Morrison spoke with him recently about his decision to endorse Democrat Jerry Brown for governor:

It was Brown’s performance as Oakland mayor that got Caruso’s attention: "That’s what really got me focusing on the importance a mayor can make in a city. I think Jerry did a great job in Oakland. Great job. And that’s why I’m going to support him as governor. And I’m going to probably piss off a lot of my Republican friends, which is fine. But Jerry -- I’m eager to see him have a chance. He’s a great guy. He’s a fun guy. Very smart"

Read more at the Opinion L.A. blog and look for Patt's full Q & A with Caruso in Saturday's Op-Ed pages.

Comments

[another day in california politics]

all this crooks love each other why they get to do there will and get there away
california can not aford a governor like jerry brown
any more times have change from last time he was a governor

[Fernando Alvarado]

Wait... A "Fun Guy"??? Is this what California needs in a time of crisis?

I’m a Republican who also has supported qualified Democrat candidates in the past, so no I'm not offended for this action. But I do not see Brown as the best option for our state. As Californians, we need to match the needs of our state to the best qualified candidate. I like Meg Whitman over all the other candidates. She is smart, tough and has the right vision for our state.

So I support Californians choosing best candidates over party colors....I hope some Democrats agree with me and also support Meg.