Demos' endorsement doesn't keep candidate in CD 12 race

Brad Smith got the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party the other night in the 12th district City Council race in the west Valley. On Thursday, Smith dropped out of the contest. "For very real personal and financial issues, I will not be able to devote the time and energy necessary to this campaign," he said in a statement. "Although it appears at this point my name will remain on the ballot, I will not be actively campaigning, fundraising, advertising, or endorsing any other candidate. This is a personal decision arrived at after much thought."

Doesn't matter one way or another. That's the open seat that incumbent Greig Smith is bequeathing to his deputy, Mitchell Englander. Just as the previous councilman, Hal Bernson, bequeathed it to his deputy: Greig Smith. Yeah, I know, there are four other candidates. Englander had raised $429,000 by the last report, Brad Smith $32,000, everyone else less.

Add Democrats: The county party also endorsed the reelection of incumbents Paul Krekorian, Tom LaBonge, Tony Cardenas, Herb Wesson and Jose Huizar. When it came to Bernard Parks in the 8th district, the vote was "no consensus."