Trutanich Makes Run for Los Angeles County District Attorney Official*

Carmen Trutanich

Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich made his candidacy for district attorney official today — something that political observers had been expecting for months.

“I love my job as city attorney, but I can’t do my job to protect residents—nor can our local police and sheriffs—without a crime fighting partner in the D.A.’s office,” Trutanich said in a statement from the campaign.

Last week, it was announced that his exploratory committee had raised $1 million in funds.

Trutanich is backed by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.

“The prospect of an experienced city attorney as a candidate for district attorney is a positive opportunity for the voters of Los Angeles County. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, a strong leader, is the only candidate for district attorney that has sought and received the approval of the voters. Experience counts,” Baca said.

Trutanich beat out then-Councilman Jack Weiss to become the city attorney in 2009. At the time, Trutanich pledged to serve his full term as city attorney and refrain from running for higher office.

Earlier this week, the city attorney made headlines when it was revealed he reported having the endorsement of three law enforcement agencies, when in fact those groups had never made an endorsement.

His campaign website can be found here.

*Update

Prosecutor Alan Jackson’s campaign didn’t waste any time reminding reporters about Trutanich’s 2009 campaign pledge, which, if broken, required the city attorney to donate $100,000 to LA’s BEST after school program and take out full page advertisements in the city’s daily newspaper that read: “I am a liar.”

Here is the Jackson campaign’s mockup of an ad for Trutanich: