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Editors of the Times' op-ed page were surprised and chagrined to learn the other day (from the Daily Breeze via L.A. Observed) that Tuesday's commentator Fernando J. Guerra is not just an academic and expert on L.A. politics (which everyone knew), but he also is a paid lobbyist for a developer who is running a so-called independent expenditure campaign on behalf of Antonio Villaraigosa. Today, to its credit, the Times reveals the fact to readers:
Clarification
Latinos in politics — A biographical note in a commentary Tuesday about Latinos in politics described the author, Fernando J. Guerra, as director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles and an associate professor at Loyola Marymount University. It should also have noted that his firm, Guerra & Associates, does strategic planning for clients including real estate developer Richard Meruelo, who is a large contributor to the mayoral campaign of Antonio Villaraigosa.
* Update: Guerra's piece runs Friday in Newsday, but without the new more complete identification.