Magic Johnson Endorses Angelides' Run for Governor

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-magic30nov30,1,6107590.story?coll=la-headlines-politics

Former NBA basketball star Magic Johnson threw his support behind Phil Angelides on Tuesday in a move that heightens the visibility of the state treasurer's bid to unseat Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger next November.

"Phil is the only qualified candidate to run the state of California," the former Laker player told about 100 people gathered near a popcorn stand in his Magic Theatres complex at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles.

Angelides is vying in the June primary for the Democratic nomination to challenge Schwarzenegger, who is running for a second term.

So far, state Controller Steve Westly is the only other major candidate in the Democratic primary.