Ludlow Now Shoe-In

According to the LA Times, Martin Ludlow's two chief rivals have backed out of the race to replace Miguel Contreras, leaving Ludlow to face a single un-opposed voice vote on Monday.

Some quotes from the article:

Corpeno Chavez said he decided to run because he believed Ludlow had been anointed without sufficient input from union members. But he said he pulled out after he and Ludlow talked about opening up the federation's decision-making process.

Norte said he gave up his candidacy when he failed to win enough support from other union leaders. "It is a good step for the unity of organized labor in Los Angeles," said Ludlow, who still faces a voice vote of union delegates Monday.

In Los Angeles, Ludlow said he anticipates getting involved in two upcoming City Council races to fill the central Los Angeles seat he gave up and to fill the northeast seat vacated by Antonio Villaraigosa when he was elected mayor.

And he said he plans to work closely with Villaraigosa, a onetime labor organizer who won election despite failing to win the endorsement of the local federation, which backed Hahn.

Ludlow has close ties to the new mayor, having worked for him while he was in the state Legislature. He was also a strong supporter of Villaraigosa's mayoral bid.

Villaraigosa has recently taken pains to portray himself as a centrist, business-friendly leader. But Ludlow said he was unconcerned. "Antonio has working-class values," Ludlow said. "I'm not worried about the mayor turning his back."