Would Assemblyman Curren Price’s opponents in next month’s special election for the state Senate like to step aside, return to their seats, draw the blinds and remain silent until a day or two after Election Day?
Each day, the veteran Inglewood-based legislator appears to be strengthening his grip on the eight-way March 24 race.
His latest good news is that Mr. Price this morning won the endorsement of the board of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce.
Wasn’t even close, it was learned, although no numbers were disclosed in voting by the 28-member Chamber panel.
This was still another blow to the nearly invisible campaign of School Board member Saundra Davis.
Nearing the end of her second four-year term on the School Board, Ms. Davis not only is finding it difficult but impossible to attract hometown support.
Less than 4 weeks out, no line has been spotted in formation behind the well-liked, charismatic candidate whose campaign does not seem to be catching fire.
What makes the Culver City Chamber’s endorsement noteworthy is that Chamber types traditionally are politically conservative, and Mr. Price is a traditionally liberal Democrat.
Last autumn, the Chamber threw its weight behind another Democrat, state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Culver City), in his onesided win over Bernard Parks for an open seat on the County Board of Supervisors.
Four Came, and One Won
The Chamber invited 4 state Senate candidates to make presentations — 3 Democrats, Mr. Price, Ms. Davis and Assemblyman Mike Davis, and one Republican, Rabbi Nachum Shifren. Recognizing the Chamber’s reach and influence, three invitees actively sought the group’s backing.
The Culver City Chamber is very Culver City-focused. Before the campaign, Mr. Price was far better known in his hometown of Inglewood, much less so in this community.
But he has driven hard.
Mr. Price gained an early jump on the Senate crowd when Mr. Ridley-Thomas, the previous holder of the seat, enthusiastically endorsed him last November.
Mr. Price is widely regarded as the strongest figure in a field that is busy but not particularly prominent or distinguished.
Perhaps it is time to get acquainted with him.
A former small business owner, he attended Morningside High School, Inglewood and, he went on to graduate from Stanford and Santa Clara University School of Law
A Boost for Inglewood
Quipped a friend of Mr. Price’s this morning: “Who says Inglewood schools can't produce scholars and leaders? C.P. is proof they can do that just fine.”
He lived awhile in Washington, D.C., but he came back home to work for the Small Business Administration.
After aiding entrepreneurs, Mr. Price turned to helping non-profits create jobs and opportunities through community investment.
