Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa hit $200,000 in campaign fundraising last week. While it took the councilman a month and a half to raise the amount - since announcing his second run at mayor more than a month and a half ago - he is on the same pace as 2001. That year Villaraigosa lost to Mayor James H. Hahn in a runoff.
Many expect a tight race again this year. However, Hahn collected a huge endorsement from the Service Employees International Union - the same Union which hugely supported Villaraigosa the last time around.
Still, the ever polished Villaraigosa is certain to challenge, and the mayoral race should be a good one.