Riordan backs Villaraigosa

By Laura Mecoy -- Bee Los Angeles Bureau
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, April 2, 2005

VAN NUYS - Saying Los Angeles needs a mayor who is committed to community schools, California Education Secretary Richard Riordan threw his support behind Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa's mayoral campaign Friday.

Riordan, a former mayor, and his wife joined Villaraigosa at the Kindergarten Learning Academy for a tour and a joint endorsement.

"This school is a great example of what Antonio Villaraigosa and Gov. (Arnold) Schwarzenegger have been pushing for - community schools," Riordan said. "I am very proud to support him for mayor because what we need is somebody who is electric, somebody who is a leader, somebody who can bring hope to the people of Los Angeles."

Schwarzenegger appointed Riordan, a Republican, as education secretary. But Riordan said he didn't expect the Republican governor to take sides in the runoff campaign between two Democrats, Villaraigosa and Mayor James Hahn.

more: http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/12660732p-13514070c.html

Has any of the former candidates endorsed anyone yet?