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.
Johnson's endorsement has become one of the most coveted in California politics, especially in Los Angeles. Candidates in the recent mayoral race -- including the ultimate winner, Antonio Villaraigosa -- competed fiercely for his support earlier this year. Johnson endorsed Villaraigosa, who featured the athlete-turned-entrepreneur in cable television advertising.
On Tuesday, Johnson said Angelides would be a governor who "serves the many, not just the few." Taking a swipe at Schwarzenegger, Johnson said the treasurer would not divide Californians "with a wasteful special election," referring to the Nov. 8 ballot in which all the statewide initiatives, several of them supported by the governor, were defeated.
"I love him as an actor and I love him as my friend, but I don't love him as the governor," Johnson said. "We need a man that is qualified. We need a man that can balance the budget."
The value of Johnson's endorsement was apparent in the media attention it drew for a campaign that so far has stirred little public interest: Five television crews showed up to cover the announcement.
Garry South, a senior strategist for Westly, said Johnson was "a great guy," but minimized the importance of his effect on the governor's race.
"He's not going to determine who wins the Democratic gubernatorial primary next year," South said.
For candidates, Johnson's popularity offers appeal across a wide spectrum of voters, but especially among African Americans, a crucial constituency in a Democratic primary. At this early stage of the race, his marquee name also adds to the edge that Angelides has built in establishing viability among donors and other political insiders.
