Political analysts agree, to a point. Few see any signs of lasting damage to Villaraigosa just yet.
Other political leaders whose personal failings have made front-page news have emerged with their careers largely intact, or enhanced, even if their behavior cost them political points in the short run.
The list of such cases reads like a Who's Who of modern American politics: -- former President Clinton, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart.
Time is a politician's best friend, campaign professionals say. And that bodes well for Villaraigosa, who faces reelection in two years and a possible run for governor in three, an eternity by the political calendar.
"It's not a good day, it's not a good week, but is it the end of his gubernatorial ambitions?" asked Roy Behr, a media consultant who has worked for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer and several other prominent politicians. "Certainly not. Every candidate is going to have worst days and worst weeks before this is over."
duke.helfand@latimes.com
