Kevin James Endorses Eric Garcetti in Mayor's Race

Mayoral hopeful Eric Garcetti picked up the endorsement of another former candidate Tuesday, with Republican attorney Kevin James backing the councilman's campaign.

James' endorsement gives Garcetti the backing of the three most visible former mayoral candidates. James finished third in the March 5 primary election, followed by Councilwoman Jan Perry and former tech executive Emanuel Pleitez, both of whom have thrown their support behind Garcetti.

James said he opted to back Garcetti because he believes the councilman would be a more ``independent'' mayor than City Controller Wendy Greuel, who is heavily backed by labor unions.

Greuel and Garcetti will square off in a May 21 runoff election.

James made a strong showing in the San Fernando Valley, and urged those who voted for him to vote for Garcetti.

We're standing here in the Valley because the Valley can bring victory
to Eric's campaign,'' he said.

James will be by Garcetti's side ``on the campaign trail,'' visiting
neighborhoods around the city, according to Garcetti spokesman Jeff Millman.

A spokesman for Greuel, John Shallman, questioned the alliance between
Garcetti and James, saying the two ``see eye to eye on very few issues.''

Meanwhile, during a speech at UCLA, Greuel struck back against Garcetti's persistent accusations that she has sought the support of ``power brokers'' in the form of city labor unions.

Related:

Greuel Vows to Be Independent of Labor Unions (Los Angeles Times)