TIPOFF HAHN'S FIGHT AGAINST SECESSION MAY COME BACK TO BITE HIM.

Byline: RICK ORLOV

For many supporters of Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa, the mayoral election campaign has taken on a personal tone.

``This is the ultimate vote on secession for Jimmy Hahn,'' said David Fleming, a prominent San Fernando Valley civic leader and former city commissioner who announced his endorsement of Villaraigosa last week.

``I think this will show you don't win an election by insulting those you want to vote for you.''

Fleming was one of the many Valley activists who feel Hahn's costly and hardball fight against secession was over the top.

Many of those like him who bear hard feelings toward the mayor have come out for Villaraigosa. Former Mayor Richard Riordan, attorneys Lee Kanon Alpert and Lisa Specht and former Community Redevelopment Commissioner Doug Ring were all backers of former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg. Now they are in the Villaraigosa camp along with Hertzberg and the other major candidates in the primary, Councilman Bernard Parks and state Sen. Richard Alarcon.

Ring, who is the husband of Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, joked his house is assured of backing the victor in the election. Miscikowski has endorsed Hahn's re-election.

With the California Democratic Party in town, both Hahn and Villaraigosa wanted to make sure they had a visible presence - and not concede anything.

Hahn welcomed the delegates at their arrival while Villaraigosa was scheduled for one of the closing events of the annual meeting, held this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center to avoid any conflicts with hotel workers.

Four years ago, Villaraigosa won the backing of the state party, which put hundreds of thousands of dollars into his unsuccessful campaign. Hahn has been able to neutralize the state party so far this year, even though Los Angeles County Democrats did vote to endorse Villaraigosa.

Another election is being played out at City Hall - far away from the public eye and, arguably, of interest to only 15 people.

City Council President Alex Padilla is trying to hold on to his leadership post for a third two-year term despite increasing complaints from some of his colleagues that he promised in 2003 that he would not seek to hold the job uninterrupted until he is termed out in 2009.

``What he's telling members is that this wouldn't be a good time to have turmoil in the council if we are looking at a new mayor or working to smooth over relations with Jim Hahn,'' said one council member, who asked not to be identified. ``No one really buys that. Whoever is mayor will have to work with the council and the council will have to work with whoever is mayor.''

There has been more speculation that Padilla wants to hold on to the job because he believes it will help him in fundraising for whatever political job he seeks after he is termed out.

No council members would publicly say they will challenge Padilla yet, although most attention is focused on a Padilla ally, Councilman Eric Garcetti. Garcetti said he and Padilla were discussing the issue and he was not sure what he will do.

``I've been one of the most solid votes he has,'' Garcetti said. ``But I do think some other members should have a chance to serve.''

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who ran for the job two years ago, said she has no interest in running for the post now.

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is making its annual pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to make its pitch for money dealing with local issues.

Transportation dollars are at the top of the agenda. Chamber officials say studies show that the county gets back only 79 cents in federal funds for each dollar taxpayers send in.

One of the group's top transportation issues is seeking $80 million for the Metro Gold Line extension.

Other projects include keeping the Los Angeles Air Force Base open and getting more funds to offset the costs of prosecuting and jailing illegal immigrants.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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2 photos

Photo:

(1) RIORDAN

(2) HERTZBERG