Leading California Democratic strategist Kam Kuwata dies [Updated]

Democratic political consultant Kam Kuwata’s body was found Monday inside his Venice condominium, but there was no evidence of foul play, police said.

Police went to his home after friends became concerned about his welfare, said Sgt. Ron Pickering of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Kuwata, 57, served as a key Democratic Party strategist for more than 25 years. He worked on the successful campaigns of former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

He served as then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's program director for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Kuwata was at the heart of the effort in 2002 to defeat the secession of the San Fernando Valley from Los Angeles at the ballot box.

[Updated, 2:06 p.m.: "I am shocked to hear of the passing of Kam Kuwata," L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Monday in a statement. "Kam gave a lifetime to politics and public service.

"My prayers are with his family and large network of colleagues and friends during this difficult time."]

Read more about Kuwata at the Times' PolitiCal blog.

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-- Richard Winton

Photo: Kam Kuwata in 2005. Credit: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Fred MacFarlane]

I lost a very good friend today. Kam Kuwata was one of the best in all respects. We shared a love of politics, strategic communications and golf. We spent great times together discussing political campaigns, media strategies and playing golf. He was like a part of my family. He treated my son and me like a part of his family. He loved to laugh and never took himself too seriously. He had one of the sharpest minds I've known. He had a passion for his work, but he was equally fervent about disengaging from work to relax and enjoy life, typically on the golf course with close friends, who like me, will miss my friend dearly. My condolences to Kam's family for their sudden and painful loss of a son and brother, a man who touched us all with his kindness, professionalism, warmth and companionship.

[kuruc]

so he was part of the problem we are in?

[Roysan]

That's the best pitcure LATimes had? shame