June 27, 2008
Los Angeles Times

Mayor keeps his star power

"People look at him as they would see a movie star. When I travel, everyone knows who the mayor of Los Angeles is. You couldn't always say that."

- Kerman Maddox

June 21, 2008
Los Angeles Times

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is getting in plenty of travel

"The larger the total reported by Villaraigosa, the greater the chance that he will frighten away any prospective opponent thinking of mounting a challenge in next spring's election. One of the best ways to discourage someone from running is to show a lot of strength, and I believe the mayor will show a lot of strength."

- Rick Taylor

June 5, 2008
Los Angeles Times

Ridley-Thomas, Parks plan tough battle for 2nd District Supervisor's seat

"The race took a fundamental shift. Mark Ridley-Thomas was the pursuer, the underdog. Now he's the front-runner."

- Kerman Maddox

June 5, 2008
Los Angeles Times

Obama's win hits home in black L.A.

"We finally have a candidate who is qualified, capable and can win, and he speaks to issues that are close to us. When he talks about personal responsibility, that resonates with a lot of people. He says 'Turn off the TV and read to your nieces and nephews.' When I grew up, the idea of academic excellence was ingrained in our community. He talks about the need to reclaim that part of our culture that we've lost, move away from glamorizing the thug life and glamorize academics."

- Kerman Maddox

May 23, 2008
Los Angeles Times

Magic Johnson endorses Parks in race for L.A. County supervisor

"I would say any time you get the endorsement by someone like Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, you should consider that as a good day for the campaign. He appeals to young people, old people, white people, black people, rick people, poor people. If you use this endorsement properly, it can influence some undecided voters."

- Kerman Maddox

April 30, 2008
Los Angeles Times

The Rev. Wrights comments alarm black ministers in Los Angeles

"Wright's message did not represent mainstream black thought on Sunday morning. Common pulpit themes had long been unity, personal responsibility, loving your neighbor and improving your neighborhoods."

- Kerman Maddox

November 17, 2007
Los Angeles Times

Waters at Center Stage in King/Drew Drama; The congresswoman brings her organizing skills and trademark passion to the battle over whether the trauma unit will be closed

"There's no one like her who can generate buzz around an issue in the African American community. She can explain it in a way that normal people can understand. She doesn't have the John Kerry dilemma."

- Kerman Maddox

August 24, 2007
Los Angeles Times

A reason for A-listers to go on the stump

"I have to admit that I'd rather see U2 than Paul Williams. But this is ridiculous, if celebrities want to get involved, they should just donate their time like everyone else. I'm a Democrat, and I want us to have every advantage, but this sends the wrong message. What makes celebrities so much more special?"

- Rick Taylor

July 18, 2007
Los Angeles Times

Winfrey, Obama just the ticket

"The event has invigorated the senator's local loyalists. It was a blow when Steven Spielberg endorsed Hillary. But this is a huge shot in the arm. Everyone is motivated. They don't get any bigger than Oprah."

- Kerman Maddox

October 7, 2005
Los Angeles Times

In the 1st 100 days, a million photo ops

"L.A. has been waiting a long time for an activist mayor."

- Rick Taylor

May 18, 2005
Los Angeles Times

Big Win, but Little Time to Deliver

"The honeymoon will be longer with a big margin of victory. But whether he wins by 5 points or 20, within six months, people want to see results."

- Kerman Maddox

March 12, 2005
Los Angeles Times

Supervisor Endorses Villaraigosa; Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who backed Hahn in 2001, could give the challenger an edge as he and the mayor vie for black voters' support.

"The endorsement would help Villaraigosa make inroads with African American voters. There is a big chunk of the African American vote up for grabs now. Yvonne Burke represents more African Americans than any other elected official in Southern California, and she is held in high esteem. The endorsement is remarkable because Burke has for years been "part of the Hahn political family. It's a pretty big setback for Hahn."

- Kerman Maddox

March 3, 2005
Los Angeles Times

Hahn Goes After Rivals' Energy Votes; He blames Hertzberg and Villaraigosa for state's 2001 power crisis. But some who worked to keep the lights on say his accusations are false

"I was puzzled by Hahn's decision to attack on an issue that was resolved years ago and that didn't directly affect Angelenos. I don't get it; I don't see that this has anything to do with being the mayor of Los Angeles."

- Rick Taylor

February 24, 2005
Los Angeles Times

Villaraigosa, Parks Gain Key Backing; The mayoral candidates pick up endorsements from numerous African American leaders, delivering a blow to Hahn's reelection bid

"It's a big blow to Mayor Hahn. It indicates a further erosion of his support in a community that historically has been his strongest base. The endorsements from a who's who of African American leaders could provide a critical boost for Parks, who is trying to climb into contention for one of two spots in the expected May runoff."

- Kerman Maddox

January 22, 2005
Los Angeles Times

As Race Heats Up, Hahn Aims Some Heavy Fire at Hertzberg; The incumbent and his aides deride the former Assembly speaker as a 'Sacramento politician

"They want to have a rematch. They will try to cut Hertzberg's legs out from under him. If the presidential election proved anything last year, negative works."

- Rick Taylor

November 10, 2004
Los Angeles Times

Wary Blacks Voted No to More Police

"Last week's ballot, which included the presidential candidates, may have been the proposal's best shot until the June 2006 primary. I understand the need. I want it to win."

- Rick Taylor

November 4, 2004
Los Angeles Times

Thousands Bid Farewell to First AME's Murray

"I had avoided church because of what I saw as the hypocrisy of people who worshipped on Sundays and sinned the rest of the week with adulterous affairs, alcoholism and the like. I saw this guy and said, 'Wow, he's different.' He was getting involved in the neighborhood, the community, Jesse's campaign. I still wasn't sold, but it made me go back again." I recall walking the streets with Murray, handing out warnings about AIDS long before other black preachers were willing to publicly address the health threat. Doors were slammed in their faces and people publicly accosted them for their controversial work, but the pastor turned out to be prophetic."

- Kerman Maddox

August 11, 2004
Los Angeles Times

Alarcon Seeks Audits of L.A. Contracts; State senator, a mayoral candidate, targets pacts with outside lawyers, DWP fund transfers.

"The senator's moves signal that he is prepared to use his position in state government to play an active role in city issues in the months before the March mayoral election."

- Rick Taylor

March 27, 2004
Los Angeles Times

Mayor Hahn Reaches Out amid Signs of Vulnerability

"Parks, Villaraigosa and Chick are in excellent positions as city officeholders to challenge Hahn. They absolutely should be using their positions to weaken him in every way possible. Hahn needs to stabilize that administration. I don't think any of us have seen a mass exodus like this."

- Rick Taylor

September 4, 2003
Los Angeles Times

Hahn Aide Middlebrook to Leave Post; The deputy mayor who managed the mayor's election campaign will join a public relations firm with close ties to the administration

"The criticism is unfair." He has fallen on some swords for the mayor and been the tough guy in the office. You need a tough guy."

- Rick Taylor

August 13, 2003
Los Angeles Times

Election stuck in spin cycle

"The good news for Schwarzenegger is that this is a short campaign. He has a great opportunity to make this work, if he can avoid mistakes. Right now, the public is angry enough that his strategy of staying away from the serious media may work. The voters are mad because Gray Davis is the most unappealing and uninspiring governor this state has ever had. People are in a 'let's show government' mood."

- Rick Taylor

March 2, 2003
Los Angeles Times

Power Base at City Hall Could Shift; The delicate support structure of the mayor and council president could be in jeopardy as seven districts elect members Tuesday

"Padilla's decision to get involved in some hotly contested council races is a sign that he realizes his future may be tied to the outcomes. Alex has tried to make some assumptions about who is likely to win and he has made endorsements, which is not traditional for the office of the council president."

- Rick Taylor

February 25, 2003
Los Angeles Times

City, World Issues Compete for Play in 4th District Council Race; Incumbent LaBonge has tracked local worries. Derek Milosavljevic is focusing on Iraq

"LaBonge understands why he's elected. It's not about passing war resolutions. It's about trimming trees.... It's not a glamorous job."

- Rick Taylor

April 24, 2002
Los Angeles Times

Parks, Blacks and Fear of Losing Power

"Kerman Maddox, the political consultant who's more plugged in than an outlet in a college dorm room."

- Patt Morrison

April 23, 2002
Los Angeles Times

Parks Hangs Up His Badge; Police: The chief appears relaxed as he announces retirement, says he will not sue city. He confirms political aspirations

"Parks would be a shoo-in for the City Council seat if he chooses to run. If Chief Parks decides to run for any council district, I believe it's his. I can't image anyone beating him. Bernie is a figure in the African American community. He's very, very popular."

- Rick Taylor

February 18, 2002
Los Angeles Times

Delgadillo Works Phones, Podiums to Raise Profile; Politics: City attorney says he's focused on present job, but moves suggest he's looking at future campaigns.

"You have to give him credit for seizing the moment. He's not afraid to jump out on controversial issues."

- Rick Taylor

December 9, 2000
Los Angeles Times

Crowded Field of Candidates Expected for Dixon's Seat; Congress: Among those mentioned are two L.A. councilmen, two state legislators and two former lawmakers

"One thing that is important in that district is that you have a candidate with strong support of the African American community but who can also win the votes of the Anglo voters in places like Culver City. I think there will be some surprise names that come up. Someone mentioned Magic Johnson's name. I don't think he'll run for it, but we're talking about that kind of person."

- Rick Taylor