Council president Alex Padilla's campaign for the state Senate just press-released the backing of LAPD chief Bill Bratton. The primary election isn't until June, but judging by the rush of endorsement announcements, the strategy appears to be focused on making Padilla look invincible. In this one, we get the chief of police jumping on early to help the most powerful member of the city council, which just happens to approve the budget and future hiring of the LAPD.

* After some pondering: Is this Bratton's first political endorsement, not counting his unofficial help for Hahn during the recent mayor's race and his involvement in New York city politics? I think so. So will everyone on the city council now seek the chief's seal of approval when they run for another office (as most will, due to term limits)? Will Bratton even begin choosing sides in city races? The full press release follows. 1:45 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2005

CONTACT: Rose Kapolczynski,
323-xxx-xxxx

LOS ANGELES POLICE CHIEF BILL BRATTON

ENDORSES ALEX PADILLA FOR SENATE

Los Angeles - Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton today announced his support for Los Angeles City Council President Alex Padilla in his campaign for the 20th State Senate District.

“Council President Alex Padilla has been an important partner in reducing crime in San Fernando Valley neighborhoods,” said Chief Bratton. “We’ve worked closely to combat gang crime and put more community police officers in the Valley. He’s always fought for Los Angeles to receive our fair share from Sacramento, and I know he’ll be an effective advocate for us when he’s in the State Senate.”

“Chief Bratton's leadership has resulted in a dramatic reduction in crime across the city, including in the Valley. I'm very proud to have his support," said Councilmember Padilla, who led the effort to fund and build the LAPD’s Mission Area Division, the department’s first new division in 27 years.

Councilmember Padilla is running for the State Senate seat being vacated by State Senator Richard Alarcon. The primary election will be held in June 2006.

Since his appointment as Los Angeles Police Chief in October 2002, Chief Bratton has implemented a comprehensive and assertive strategy for reducing crime. This year, violent crime in LAPD’s Valley Division is down 47 percent compared with just two years ago. Property crime in the Valley Division is down 19 percent compared with two years ago.

Chief Bratton has also served as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police Department Chief, Boston Police Department Chief, New York City Transit Authority Police Department Chief, and New York City Police Commissioner. Widely considered one of the nation’s leading experts on policing, he is a frequent guest lecturer across the country and around the world.

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