Riordan Throws His Support Behind Villaraigosa

Richard Riordan, the California Secretary of Education and former Mayor of Los Angeles, and his wife Nancy Daly Riordan announced their support for Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa for Mayor. “I have always said that our city needs a leader that is tough enough to turn LA around, and I believe that Antonio Villaraigosa is that leader,” Riordan said. “As a former Los Angeles Mayor, I know first-hand the challenges of running this city, and I have full confidence in Antonio Villaraigosa and his ability to lead.” Riordan and his wife endorsed former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg during the primary election, but cited Villaraigosa’s education plan as their reason for supporting him in the runoff election. Villaraigosa’s education plan includes, in part, making classrooms smaller and setting up a universal preschool system. Villaraigosa also picked up the support of Assemblymember Judy Chu and several other Asian and Pacific Islander American leaders at a separate event Friday.