Despite affair, Villaraigosa still seen as 2010 contender

Sacbee ^ | 4 July 2007 | Kevin Yamamura

[radar101]

Don't dismiss Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from the 2010 governor's race just because he revealed Tuesday he had an ongoing extramarital relationship, political analysts say.

Many believe Villaraigosa's revelation will have only a marginal impact on the Democrat's chances to win the state's top office in three years. The former Assembly speaker is still considered among the early front-runners in a large field once Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is termed out.

Villaraigosa said Tuesday he has had a relationship with reporter Mirthala Salinas of the Spanish language network Telemundo that has evolved over time, according to a recording posted online by the Los Angeles Times.

Salinas once covered the mayor as a political reporter. About a year ago, Villaraigosa said, the relationship "had grown to a point where it was necessary to inform her management that she shouldn't cover me. ... They agreed," the Associated Press reported.

The acknowledgment of the relationship came after the mayor separated last month from his wife, Corina, who has since filed for divorce. At the time, Villaraigosa took responsibility for the breakup but refused to answer questions about what he had done to cause it. He acknowledged the relationship Tuesday after the Los Angeles Daily News confirmed his involvement with Salinas through his 88-year-old mother-in-law.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Ah-nold, like all good RINO Governors, always makes sure he has a nice ultralib rodent to succeed him in office. Salty Tony Villar has already measured for the drapes.

[353FMG]

“..he had an ongoing extramarital relationship..”

Being a damncrat, the guy will probably state that he never had sex with his girlfriend.

[BigFinn]

The Patron Syndrome. If you haven't read this... take the time.

[radar101]

Mirthala Salinas Para comunicarse por correo electrónico, favor de escribir a: Mirthala.Salinas@nbcuni.com

The Daily News was about to run the story about Mirthala Salinas and Villaraigosa, when the L.A. Mayor himself came out with a public statement.

"It is true that I have a relationship with Ms. Mirthala Salinas. As I've said I take full responsibility for my actions, and I once again ask that people respect my family's privacy. For my part, I intend to stay focused on my job, and to work

"I believe that the vast majority of people base their sense of trust on what you do in your public life, whether or not you keep your promises,"
- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the fallout from his affair with Telemundo newswoman Mirthala Salinas

[oldbrowser]

Don't dismiss Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from the 2010 governor's race just because he revealed Tuesday he had an ongoing extramarital relationship, political analysts say.

This is considered a rite of passage for Democratic candidates.

It proves they are following in the foot steps of Kennedy & Clinton.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Almost... He just has to arrange for Miss Salinas to drive her car into San Pedro Harbor (one-way) and he’s made his bones.

[calex59]

"I believe that the vast majority of people base their sense of trust on what you do in your public life, whether or not you keep your promises,"

- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the fallout from his affair with Telemundo newswoman Mirthala Salinas

I guess he doesn't consider marriage vows a promise. If he can't keep that promise why would we think he will be honest in government? Dems, of course, don't give a rat's behind if their candidate is honest, in fact dishonesty seems to be what they look for in a candidate!

[Mr. Jeeves]

He kept it within La Raza, so "no harm, no foul". Had it been a black woman, most of L.A. would have risen up and killed him. ;)

[traditional1]

Cheating on spouses and breaking vows is a “badge of honor” to the Democrat base....”everybody does it” is their rationale, and they aspire to do the same as these “leaders”.

[CAWats]

Despite affair, Villaraigosa still seen as 2010 contender

Only be the MSM.

[Travis McGee]

"Mayor MEChA:"

Read about how a pro-communist, ultra radical "MEChista" named Tony Villar cut his hair, changed his name, put on a tie, and became the mayor of America's second largest city.

[lilylangtree]

Read in this a.m. paper that Mirthala broke the story herself. Sounds like an ax to grind.

[tflabo]

"It's a story for now (for Villaraigosa) and may continue for a month or so, but I don't think it'll have long-lasting legs that will impact the 2010 elections,"

Of course not....in fact corruption and scandal is a necessary prerequisite for these DemonRat candidates... The greater the sin the sweeter the win....and the mindless morons who elect them are the gift that keeps on giving for the Rats.

[AuntB]

Just more of those ‘family values’. Seems they did stop at the Rio Grande afterall.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Does anybody even know who any of the other possible contenders are for the next California Governor’s race? Does Tom McClintock plan to run for either Governor or for anything else?

[slow5poh]

I don’t know but I live here in CA, and I sure hope this piece of trash dosen’t get elected govenor. I guess I’ll vote for Mcclintock unless I see a better candidate. There still is a decent conservaitve base here in the sacramento valley. Seems it’s the large cities to the south that are ultra liberal.

[TDA2]

Just part of the culture. Ho-hum.

[A message]

Don't dismiss Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from the 2010 governor's race just because he revealed Tuesday he had an ongoing extramarital relationship, political analysts say.

Of course not, the average California voter is dumber than a bag of hammers.

Californians elect people like Pete Stark, Barbara Lee, Loretta Sanchez, Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, DiFi over and over again despite the fact these people are proven fools.

I'm placing odds that Villasalinas gets elected ( God save our state) even though McClintock should be the only person people consider.

[doc]

This is scary! Villaraigosa was a member of Mecha, a racist Mexican organization. California is going to be in bigger trouble if mayor “reconqista” gets elected governor. First governor than el presidente!!!!