Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

The Real Republican

Jim Newton profiles "Republican" mayoral candidates Austin Beutner and Rick Caruso.  Last I heard Beutner was registered decline to state and rumor is Caruso has or is re-registering as a Democrat.  Newton fails to mention actual Republican Kevin James, who has the backing of most Republican power players in LA.  He also says that Villaraigosa's victory against "goofy" Walter Moore "doesn't count" even though Moore and several other "goofy" candidates with little money and no name ID held the overfunded and popular incumbent to just 55% of the vote.

Apparently bloggers Joseph Mailander and Phil Jennerjahn have found an interesting way to amuse themselves - they will bet on whether or not Republican Sarah Palin will run for President.  Jennerjahn is convinced the former Alaska Governor will drop her hat into the ring; Mailander is putting his money on that Palin will remain on the book and talk TV circuit that's been so lucrative for her.  Mailander and Jennerjahn tried to get me involved in their reindeer games, holding their funds and being the final arbiter, I have politely declined.

Read more »