L.A. mayor election: Greuel backers hope for first female mayor

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

City Controller Wendy Greuel’s election-night party downtown got started about half an hour after the polls closed with the foot-stomping stylings of the all-women band the Mariachi Divas, a nod to her hope of becoming L.A.’s first female mayor.

As the ballots were being counted, guests sampled calamari and craft beers at the L.A. Brewing Company on South Broadway, which was decorated with blue and green balloons coordinating with Greuel’s campaign logo. Several top supporters addressed the crowd before Greuel arrived, including Police Commissioner John Mack, who said he had known Greuel since the days when she was “a very idealistic, energetic, committed” young aide to former Mayor Tom Bradley.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Los Angeles election update

Mack and the other speakers seemed less focused on Tuesday night’s results than on the expected May runoff.

In keeping with the campaign’s portrayal of Greuel as a pragmatic leader who would focus her efforts toward restoring basic services in the city, Mack said “she can dream the big dreams, think the big thoughts, but she is also a doer, a problem-solver, and that’s what we need in our city at this point in time.”

LIVE RESULTS: Los Angeles primary election

“We have to recognize this as a marathon; tonight was the first mile of that long journey,” Mack said. “Let’s make sure that we get out beginning tomorrow and help her go on to victory.”

ALSO:

Polling place shooting sparked by ‘love triangle,’ LAPD says

L.A. mayor’s race live: Garcetti, Greuel pull out to early lead

L.A. city elections: Incumbent council members take early lead

--Maeve Reston