Pleitez apparently chooses Garcetti *

4:15 p.m. update: Deed is done.

Mayoral finalist Eric Garcetti has scheduled a 3:30 p.m. Saturday presser with defeated mayoral candidate Emanuel Pleitez. They are meeting any media that comes out on a Saturday afternoon at the Doll Factory, the Temple Street home of the Derby Dolls roller derby shows near downtown. Unless they are going to strap on skates, I'm assuming this is where Pleitez announces he is endorsing Garcetti in the runoff for mayor. Jan Perry and Kevin James, the other endorsements that Garcetti and Wendy Greuel are hoping to get, are still pending.

I'd be surprised if Perry does not endorse Garcetti in the end. James says in an LA Times story today that he plans to meet again with both candidates before announcing his position. As the only Republican who ran, albeit a largely unknown figure one to most LA Republicans, his opinion may carry some weight. In the primary campaign his team produced that video portraying Garcetti and Greuel as shady power brokers who bury dead bodies in the hills. But since the election, James has had dinner with Garcetti at Pace in Laurel Canyon, and met with Greuel for more than an hour at his Century City law office. The whole endorsement dance keeps him in the spotlight a while longer.

Greuel on Friday announced the endorsement of the national political group Emily's List. From the group's release:

“Wendy Greuel is an incredible leader who is committed to tackling important issues,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “During her long career in public service, including her roles as a deputy to Mayor Bradley, a City Councilor and City Controller, Wendy fought to strengthen education, and improve the economy by eliminating taxes on small businesses. It’s about time that one of the largest cities in the country elected a woman mayor, and with her fantastic track record of getting things done, Wendy is the right person for the job. The EMILY’s List community – now more than two million members strong – is excited to support her candidacy.”