Antonio Villaraigosa didn't get the endorsement of the animal activists at Citizens for a Humane Los Angeles (Walter Moore did), but he's not giving up on their votes. After the following letter to The Pet Press, I suspect he'll get most of them.

I want to thank the many humane activists who turned out in stormy weather to participate in the January 9 "Citizens for a Humane Los Angeles" convention and for the warm reception I received there. No matter who won your endorsement (and make no bones about it: I wish I would have), the event was an important step in the humane community's evolution as a political force.

As the collective voice of "voiceless" animals, you need to continue the process of finding common ground and learning how to convince civic and political leaders to respond positively to your issues. It was in recognition of your potential power that five mayoral candidates attended the event, but you have to keep doing the hard work that will help you bring that potential to fruition. That means actively supporting your chosen candidates, staying in touch with us on animal issues, continuing to work the system, and remaining true to your bottom line: finding ways every day to help the animals receive better treatment and find good homes.

Since I began my first campaign for mayor back in 2000, I've learned a lot about the troubled state of the City's two animal-related departments (Animal Services and the Zoo), been adopted by two great companion dogs and experienced first hand the passion of the humane community. If I have the privilege of becoming L.A.'s mayor on July 1, you -- and the animals -- will have a friend in City Hall.

You can learn more about my campaign at www.antonio2005.com.

Best Wishes,
Antonio R. Villaraigosa

Villaraigosa did pick up the endorsement of the West Los Angeles Democratic Club, even though he wasn't at the meeting and Jim Hahn did appear.