The salesman of the city

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is wearing many hats these days _ city chief executive, political rock star and salesman.
A report in today's Daily News by Sacramento reporter Harrison Sheppard takes a look at the city lobbying efforts in the state Capitol -- to the tune of $760,000 a year-- and its return to the city.
And, while the city has a full-time staff of lobbyists based in Sacramento, it turns out Villaraigosa -- former Assembly speaker -- is the most effective of all through his frequent visits and constant telephone calls to state officials.
"When he makes an appearance in Sacramento, he exercises a lot more clout than the lobbyists would - or past mayors," said Bob Stern, president of the Los Angeles-based Center for Governmental Studies.
"He knows how to push the buttons. He knows where the power centers are. On top of that, he's a very charismatic guy who has a future."