Most of the Los Angeles city pols up for reelection in March have opted out of taking public matching funds, which means they don't have to abide by spending limits, sparking concern from backers of the program.
Six of the 10 city officials on the ballot, including City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo and council members Ed Reyes, Jack Weiss and Jan Perry, filed papers this month rejecting matching funds and spending limits. Councilmen Alex Padilla and Eric Garcetti, who are unopposed, also opted out.
Four months before the election, Delgadillo has already raised $1.06 million, which, if he spent it all, would exceed the spending limit of $1.01 million in the city attorney's race. His lone challenger, Etan Lorant, has not reported raising any money.
Delgadillo wants to be able to spend whatever it takes to get his message to voters citywide, said Larry Grizalano, his campaign consultant.
"He doesn't want to be constrained by spending limits," Grizalano said.
Some city officials speculate that Delgadillo decided not to abide by the spending limit so he can spend the money to raise his visibility in anticipation of a possible run for mayor in four years.
Others said rejecting the spending limits approved by voters in 1990 sends the wrong message.
"I would much prefer they would all take part because it shows confidence in the program, and by accepting matching funds, they don't have to raise as much money," said Robert M. Stern, president of the nonpartisan Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles who played a role in putting together the program.
LeeAnn Pelham, executive director of the Ethics Commission, also said voters wanted to see the brakes put on campaign spending.
Weiss has raised $265,000, while his nearest challenger has reported raising one-tenth that amount. The spending limit for council races is $330,000.
Larry Levine, a campaign consultant for Weiss, said Weiss did not want to take taxpayer funds.
"It just didn't feel right," Levine said. "There is no question he can raise the money he needs for the race."
County Labor Group to Vote on Pick for Mayor
Dec. 16 is a key date in the Los Angeles mayor's race. That is when the five major candidates will appear before a couple hundred delegates of the county Federation of Labor's political arm.
The endorsement by the group's Committee on Political Education could bring with it hundreds of thousands of dollars and an army of union volunteers, but it is not at all clear that anyone will win the required two-thirds vote this year.
