Democratic Party Role in Council Races Criticized

LOS ANGELES —  The state Democratic Party has intervened in the 7th and 14th City Council District races, sparking objections Tuesday from critics who said it is inappropriate for the party to get involved in the officially nonpartisan races.

The Democratic State Central Committee reported spending $8,100 on an independent mail campaign supporting Eastside 14th District candidate Victor Griego, and $7,000 on mailings for San Fernando Valley 7th District candidate Alex Padilla.

“We’re urging Democrats to vote for the candidates that the local party has interviewed and determined to be the best person for the job,” said State Democratic Chairman Art Torres.

But for some, the tradition of having nonpartisan elections for local offices is aimed at avoiding the back-room deal-making in which political party leaders, rather than voters, often play the major role in picking the leading candidate.

“It’s beneficial that local races have been a safe haven for nonpartisan candidates,” said Jim Knox, chairman of California Common Cause. “I think it’s unfortunate that larger entities like this can play the role of kingmaker in local elections.”

The last time the state party intervened was in 1993, when it launched an independent campaign for Democrat Mike Woo, who was running for mayor against Republican Richard Riordan.

But this time, Corinne Sanchez, who is Padilla’s rival for the 7th District, and Nick Pacheco, who is battling Griego in the 14th, are also Democrats. They say that intervention of the political party undermines the nonpartisan nature of local elections. Griego and a Padilla representative said they welcomed the backing.