A big job is up for grabs in LA, 2 more special elections

by Brian Leubitz

The Mayor of Los Angeles is undoubtedly one of the more powerful positions, at least as a bully pulpit, in the country. LA is the second largest city in the nation, and as such the gig can lead to a national role on issues big and small. The fight between Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti has been harsh and personal. Big divisions have grown within progressives and across the city, and for every issue both sides claim to be either more progressive, more pragmatic, or just plain right.

It is enough to turn off most voters, and in fact, turnout is expected to be shockingly low for an election of this magnitude. 20% turnout seems like something of a distant dream, and a record low turnout is possible. While Garcetti leads, Greuel’s team hope that the labor turnout operation will be the difference maker:

The latest poll shows Garcetti with a seven point lead over Greuel, with nine percent of likely voters undecided. Both campaigns have said Latino voters could play a decisive role in the race. The federation’s flier is in English and Spanish. It says “La Wendy will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.” (SCPR)

While Greuel has said she supports a $15 minimum wage in hotels, she hasn’t said anything about the general minimum wage. One would have to imagine the business interests wouldn’t be so thrilled about that. Garcetti is hoping for his relatively engaged base to turnout, and has been seeming gaining momentum with that last poll. However, until we start getting the numbers we won’t know much more.

Also up today are Senate District 16 in the Central Valley, where we are likely to see a runoff between frontrunners Leticia Perez (D) and Andy Vidak (R), and AD-80, where labor leader Lorena Gonzalez has been running a strong campaign in a Democratic leaning district.