Hahn and Villaraigosa Trade Jabs at Fierce Debate

Mayor James K. Hahn and challenger Antonio Villaraigosa clashed over race and integrity Saturday in a hard fought debate that highlighted their fierce competition for the support of African American voters.
Both canidates pledged safer street, better schools and more jobs for the South Central area. Much of the hourlong debate was about who could undercut voter confidence in the other. At one point Hahn directed a jab at Villagaigosa saying "There's only one person up here who's demonstrated that they violated the public trust, and that's you." Villaraigosa responded " Much as a mayor did to Tom Bradley some 30 years ago, I know exactly what you're doing, Jim. You're trying to demonize my candidacy for the purpose of creating a climate of fear, and I won't tolerate it."
The 8 a.m. debate was sponsored by the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper and took place in the glass atrium of the California African American Museum in Exposition Park. (LA Times/ LA Daily News 4/10)