The four key strategists in the race for mayor are studied in today's Times by Carla Hall.

They are quintessential political junkies so well-known that, like "J.Lo" and "Britney," people refer to them by single monikers: Ace, Parke, Kam and Carrick. So what are they doing that's so valuable the candidates pay them hefty fees for less than a year's work? And hire them again, even when they lose?...

Smith has managed other campaigns, but never one this high-profile. A win for Villaraigosa could catapult him from the drudgery of opposition research to commanding campaigns.

For Skelton, a Villaraigosa victory would be revenge for the brutally negative campaign Hahn used to clobber his opponent four years ago.

Carrick and Kuwata have basked in plenty of success, including Hahn's mayoral win four years ago. His reelection would show they could steward a spectacular come-from-behind victory.

And whichever pair loses — well, they'll just spin it as beyond their control. And go on to the next campaign.

Smith, the son of former San Francisco DA Arlo Smith who is known for his belief in opposition research, says: "I probably personally know their records better than either of them do." In the piece, Carrick defends his Vignali ad from 2001: "He [Villaraigosa] was never in a frame with the crack pipe."