by SEEMA MEHTA
Los Angeles Mayoral candidates, left to right, Jan Perry, Kevin James, Eric Garcetti, Wendy Greuel and Emanuel Pleitez are seen before a debate sponsored by the Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy and Jobs at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Though only about 6% of L.A.’s registered voters are Jewish, they are seen as having deep influence across the political landscape.
Eric Garcetti jokingly refers to himself as a “kosher burrito.” Wendy Greuel’s mother accurately predicted that she would “marry a nice Jewish boy.” And Jan Perry frequently talks about how her conversion to Judaism affects her worldview.
The field vying to become Los Angeles’ next mayor is diverse in many ways, but one commonality that binds three of the top candidates is their long-standing ties to the Jewish community. All are highlighting their history in hopes of gaining an edge in this key voter bloc.
Jewish voters make up a small sliver of the city’s registered voters, about 6%. But they are receiving an outsized amount of attention because they vote in high numbers, even in low-turnout city elections, where they tend to account for nearly one-fifth of the ballots cast.
Los Angeles Times for more
(Thanks to Asghar Vasanwala. Here are his remarks:
“Dear friends,
“Here is Seema Mehta’s report on Los Angeles Mayoral race. She writes that all five current candidates for upcoming mayor election, in one way or another, connect themselves as Jew and promise to do everything for Jewish causes.
“Jews are a small percentage but most of them work in tandem and are focused on strategic issues. They, through their keen interest, wealth, and lobbying power are able to win their causes big. Politician, for winning election, promise to Jewish community doing everything for them without worrying about other burning issues of US society.
“During recent confirmation of Chuck Hagel as Defnce Secretary, name”Israil” came up about 170 times.
“Salam.”)