L.A. mayor to chair Democratic convention

WASHINGTON - The Democratic Party has picked Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to chair its national convention this summer in Charlotte, N.C.

The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, says in an email to DNC members that Villaraigosa will be nominated to chair the September convention.

Chairing the national convention, where Democrats are expected to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term, will place Villaraigosa in a national spotlight. Overseeing the gathering will also place the Latino mayor front and center as Democrats woo Latino support for Obama and other candidates.

Wasserman Schultz tells DNC members that Villaraigosa has empowered people during his career and will encourage engagement from Americans across the country.

Villaraigosa was elected mayor in 2005 and re-elected in 2009.

[longtree-2009]

antonio to some extent is being used to gain the hispanic vote for obama. democrat strategy might work but it remains to be seen. wonder how antonio feels about the possibility of being used.

[CharlesBrink]

They are a great pair Villaraigosa has bankrupted LA just like Obama is trying to do to the USA

[pd417]

Just another phtot op for this joke of a mayor. Thank God his term is almost up and he'll be out of office. Maybe then we can elect a mayor who actually cares more for Los Angeles than of himself.