Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has endorsed Proposition 89, the Clean Elections initiative on California's ballot.  Mayor Villaraigosa expressed his hope that Prop 89 could help restore faith in the electoral system, and allow more people to participate in politics.  He joins over 300 organizations and individuals in endorsing the initiative.

Villaraigosa issued the following statement of support: "At a time when far too many Californians are disenchanted with our political system, passage of Prop. 89 will be a big step forward in getting more people involved in our political system and restoring public faith in our democracy. Prop. 89 will broaden the playing field and allow Californians from all walks of life to run for office and help solve problems affecting all Californians -- from improving our schools to protecting our environment to assuring access to quality healthcare for all."

Also in the news today, Rose Ann DeMauro, the executive director of the Calfornia Nurses Association and Bill Magavern of the Sierra Club California co-wrote this editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle explaining how Prop 89 will restore a balance of power in the electoral process, reigning in the outsized influence of wealthy few in favor of a political process in which all are welcome to participate.