Mayor's Bungled Clinton Endorsement Turns Into Political Fiasco

Mayor Eric Garcetti endorsed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign today, but the announcement became a political fiasco when it was issued by the mayor’s office then quickly retracted -- because state and local laws bar the use of public resources for election purposes.

Around 1 p.m., the mayor’s press office at City Hall issued a news release with a statement from Garcetti endorsing Clinton. About an hour later, the mayor’s office issued a nine-word retraction -- “Today’s statement on Hillary Clinton was sent in error” -- with no further explanation.

Calls to the mayor’s office were referred to Bill Carrick, Garcetti’s campaign strategist, who told City News Service the endorsement announcement was “inadvertently” sent out by the mayor’s office.

“Somebody made a mistake,” Carrick said.

Carrick noted that the mayor’s public office and facilities at City Hall are not supposed to be used for political purposes. He said Garcetti’s endorsement of Clinton is still valid, but the announcement should not have been issued by the mayor’s office.

He said he did not know if the mistaken announcement constitutes a violation of the city’s ethics code, which could lead to a fine.

Carrick insisted, however, that Garcetti’s endorsement of Clinton stands.

In his statement, Garcetti said Clinton “will fight to transform the lives of hard-working Americans because she shares the values we hold dear -- she has a passion for civil rights, the know-how to connect our communities, the drive to tackle economic inequality and a commitment to ensuring millions know the benefits of citizenship.”

Garcetti said that with Clinton in the White House, mayors across the country “will have a partner, someone who is ready to stand up for our mainstream economy and the people who need help the most.”

“I’m proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for president because I know that she understands the challenges and opportunities facing our cities and will be a powerful leader in building our future,” Garcetti said.

The endorsement announcement coincided with a Clinton fundraising swing through the Southland. Clinton today is attending a pair of fundraisers -- one of which was also attended by Garcetti -- and will appear tonight on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

City News Service; Wikimedia Commons