received a surprising number of e-mails from around the country, asking for an opinion as to how or why Antonio Villaraigosa so handily defeated the incumbent, James Hahn, in the race for Mayor of the nation's second largest city, Los Angeles. Aside from a weak campaign, which really appeared to accurately reflect the personality and image of Mayor Hahn; low key and sans charisma, Villaraigosa ran with vigor, enthusiasm and the backing of many moneyed and influential Democrats. The race is non-partisan, but I think it is fair to say that Hahn attracted more of the Republican voters. Voters were few. The turnout was low.
Specifically Antonio won largely because more Latinos have learned how to become involved citizens. The percentage of voters who are Latinos has risen from 10% to fully 25% over the past 12 years. He garnered something like 84% of Latino voters, but he was also widely supported by other groups. Unlike most urban politics, this son of Mexican immigrants was able to avoid the frequently ethnicity-tinged campaign pitches which usually occur.
When Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa takes office in July, he'll have a lot to live up to and a big job to do.
In his campaigning he promised to draw all the varied ethnic groups of this, America's most diverse city,  into the political mainstream. With luck and leadership, he'll do just that. In the meanwhile, as a Los Angelino, I'd love it if he'd do something about fixing our potholes in surface streets and freeways.