Austin "Mini-Riordan II" Beutner drops away from Mayoral Race 2013

Former Mayor Richard Riordan and now former mayoral candidate Austin "Mini-Riordan II" Beutner.

We interrupt former Mayor Richard Riordan's power nap at a candidate function, to advise him that his next aspiring candidate to replicate the 1993-2001 Riordan Reign in LA Austin "Mini-Riordan II" Beutner,  has dropped out of the 2013 Mayoral Campaign proceedings. (** FYI, "Mini Riordan I" was Playa Vista's Steve Soboroff who attempted to replace Riordan in 2001, but came in third to former Mayor James Hahn and Mayor Antonio Villar)

From the LA Weekly.

A first-time candidate, Beutner never got comfortable as a politician. He had a soft-spoken manner, and seemed unwilling to commit to the exhausting demands of running for office. A virtual unknown, Beutner would have had to spend heavily to introduce himself to voters.
His departure seems to work in favor of Controller Wendy Greuel.

"The Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" reports.

Beutner, who served as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's "economic czar" before launching his campaign, has struggled to introduce himself to voters, even as he has taken public shots at City Hall and other mayoral candidates -- Controller Wendy Greuel and City Council members Jan Perry and Eric Garcetti -- who work there. During an economic policy speech in January, Beutner called City Hall a "barnyard." 

This brief comment from Buetner via Daily News Rick Orlov.

"Everything I have been successful at, I have busted my butt," Beutner said. "I didn't feel I could devote the time to this and balance it with my family." 

A salient observation from "Westside Business White Guy" Mark Lacter at "Westside LA Observed".

Beutner's decision will no doubt renew speculation about businessman Rick Caruso, who remains on the sidelines (despite outspoken comments about the way City Hall is being run). 

A Regardie Report on the exit of Buetner.

“Being out every day exploring the possibilities reinforced very much how much the city needs leadership,” he told Los Angeles Downtown News this afternoon. “But at the same time being out every day reminded me of the responsibilities I have at home.”

..... and lastly, this defining moment from the just terminated Buetner Campaign via the "Weekly of Record".

. In his address at Town Hall Los Angeles today, mayoral candidate Austin Beutner did nothing to change his reputation as an uncharismatic public speaker. 
In fact, former Mayor Richard Riordan, a strong Beutner supporter who happened to be in the audience, actually fell asleep just a few minutes into the speech. He did not lift his head even when Beutner mentioned his name -- and was only jolted awake at the end by the applause. Hey, Beutner can have that effect on people.

Thus, with Buetner's exit, former Mayor Riordan can now return to dreaming of a "Mini-Riordan III".

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14