Classic MayorSam: Mayor Loses His Democratic Mojo

In honor of Mayor Villaraigosa's role as the Chairman of this week's Democratic National Convention, we're going to post a few of our past Antonio stories from the Mayor Sam Archives. This gem from August 21st, 2008 details how the Mayor was virtually ignored by the Obama campaign during the 2008 Convention. My, what a difference four years have made.

  It's not a good week for Mayor Villaraigosa when it comes to being a Democratic party superstar.

First off the Mayor was passed over for a speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.  Next Barack Obama didn't pick the Mayor for his Latino- but Bill Clinton was chosen.  Finally Villaraigosa's home state Democratic rival Gavin Newsom will be hosting a big deal.

Speculation is rampant that the Obama campaign wants to distance themselves from the Mayor due to his high-profile extamarital affair with former TV newswoman Mirthala Salinas.

Not to worry, I think Antonio's sharing a room with Bill Rosendahl and Jack Weiss at the Days Inn and will be on a panel discussion on "travel tips" Sunday before the Convention starts.