Posted on 09/06/2006 5:42:31 PM PDT by calcowgirl
They are the ambitious leaders of major cities and considered rising stars in the Democratic Party likely to compete against each other one day in a run for higher office. But on Tuesday, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa swapped hearty back pats, toothy grins and glowing compliments hoping to quash any rumors that a rivalry between them exists.
Though each remains tight-lipped about plans for life after City Hall, political insiders predict their paths will cross in the not-too-distant future. If Angelides loses his bid against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in November, Newsom or Villaraigosa could rise to be the Democratic challenger in 2010. If Angelides wins and seeks a second term, the mayors wouldn't face off until 2014.
They are similar in that each is telegenic, charismatic and youthful. Newsom, 38, was catapulted into the national spotlight when he allowed same-sex couples to wed in 2004. Villaraigosa, 53, was the Assembly speaker before being elected mayor and has received significant attention for attempting to take over and reform Los Angeles schools.
But their differences are even greater, with each politician hailing from starkly different cities and backgrounds. Newsom, whose father was a judge, was a wealthy businessman before entering politics. Villaraigosa, whose father emigrated from Mexico, was a union organizer. They also enjoy popularity among different constituencies: Newsom has strong backing from the gay community and Villaraigosa from Latinos.
Speculation of a rivalry between the two, or at least between their staffs, has long existed.
"They will collide in the next four years or so, but it's too soon for them to show that the animosity or competitiveness is real," said Barbara O'Connor, director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and the Media at Cal State Sacramento.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Two examples of what the rest of the U.S. would look be if Lefties were left(pardon the pun) in charge.
Two of America's finest cities turned into toilets.
Did they seal the pact with a wet kiss?
Dumb and Dumberer.
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