Here's how valuable a nod from Controller Laura Chick has become in local politics. Even though Chick has endorsed Bill Rosendahl in the wide-open 11th council district race, rival candidate Flora Krisiloff is sending out mailers with a big photo of herself beside Chick sandwiched between these headlines:

City Controller Laura Chick urges more women on city boards...

"It's time to have the commissions reflect the city of Los Angeles."
    —City controller Laura Chick

Chick's office is adamant: She has endorsed Krisiloff's opponent and has not authorized this use of the controller's photo, name or likeness.