Facing an unexpected reelection challenge from the city prosecutor, City Attorney Bob Shannon on Wednesday announced the endorsement of District Attorney Steve Cooley.
"I fully intend to accept his offer of assistance and will vigorously campaign to retain my position leading the finest municipal law office in California," Shannon said, according to a statement issued by his campaign.
In office since 1998, Shannon, 67, is seeking another bid in the April 2010 election. He has a record of easily winning reelection. In 2006, he won by a 70 percent margin and was unopposed in 2002.
But in 2010 Shannon will face what is his most formidable challenge in Long Beach City Prosecutor Tom Reeves, also an 11-year incumbent.
Reeves would have likely coasted to reelection next year if he were not giving up the office to challenge Shannon.
Reeves, who does not report to Cooley, instead has decided to challenge Shannon while one of his top deputies, Assistant City Prosecutor Tim O'Reilly, campaigns for the prosecutor's job.
The city prosecutor is generally in charge of prosecuting misdemeanor criminal cases that take place in the city. Felonies are handled by the D.A.'s office.
The city attorney serves as general counsel to the City Council and represents the city in litigation. The attorney also researches and drafts laws and makes sure that city proceedings and decision-making are legal.
Like the mayor City Council offices, the city attorney and city prosecutor positions are non-partisan.
