LOS ANGELES — For newcomers running for office in Los Angeles, support from some of the city’s many political clubs can provide an essential boost, with the groups calling prospective voters or hosting meet-and-greet events with the candidates.
The groups tend to draw little notice, except when a candidate touts their prized endorsement. But this election season, two incidents have brought scrutiny to the clubs, putting leaders on the defensive.
Last month, mayoral candidate Karen Bass suggested that rival Rick Caruso purchased the endorsement of Avance Democratic Club, a Latino group. “How much did you pay for it?” Bass said during a debate — a remark that angered the club’s leaders and prompted Bass to apologize.
