Villaraigosa vs. Palin (really)

You might think the mayor of Los Angeles wouldn't have much cause to quarrel with the governor of Alaska.
Both are local officials and their top issues don't exactly line up. (His: gang crime, failing schools. Hers: natural gas delivery, bridge building.)
But in this highly charged political season, perhaps it was inevitable that two media megastars would find something to fight about.
That something: the port container fee (a.k.a. SB 974, by Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach).
Gov. Sarah Palin wrote a letter last month urging Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto the legislation, which would levy a $60 fee on containers at the Ports of L.A., Long Beach, and Oakland to pay for clean air programs. Palin argued that the bill would increase the cost of commodities for Alaskan communities that are inaccessible by road, and get all their goods by sea.
L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who supports the fee, came out today with a press release blasting Palin and even questioning her motives:

"I am disappointed that Governor Sarah Palin has chosen to put private interests ahead of the people's interest instead of joining the bipartisan coalition of business organizations, environmental groups, local officials and law enforcement in supporting SB 974."

"For far too long the lives and health of people in port communities throughout the world have subsidized lower transportation costs which is why I have urged Governor Schwarzenegger to sign the legislation to help reduce deadly diesel emissions and reduce traffic congestion.

"Enactment of SB 974 go hand-in-hand with Los Angeles Clean Trucks Program where we are working to reduce diesel truck emissions and I applaud the leadership of Senator Lowenthal and the bipartisan support of the California State Legislature in joining this effort."

It's on!