California Democratic delegates get swag with their votes

California delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver get all kinds of credentials for their participation this week.

They also get some swag, a bag of free goodies just like at the Oscars -- only worth a whole lot less. Still, upwards of 10 pounds of freebie gifts. “It’s heavy,” said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, noting that the contents did not quite match up to the kinds of presents found in the bags given out at big-time awards shows.

Taking note of the political presents, she said the cloth bag—complements of the Pechanga Indian Resort and Casino—included a wine glass from Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, a coffee mug from Sen. Diane Feinstein and a first aid kit from Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.

“It’s funny to compare which elected officials put what in the bag,” she said. One of the popular gifts was a USB (flash drive memory device) from California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer.

Oh, the delegates also got a bobblehead doll of L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

--John Mitchell

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