Comebacking City Council candidate Scott Malsin enjoyed an excellent outing artistically on Wednesday night at the Democratic Club’s Candidates Forum – even if he came away with a zero grade by club members.
After listening for two hours to five of the six contenders, the 79 members present awarded Mr. Malsin 18 votes, fourth in the field.
In the second round of voting, with less competition, Mr. Malsin only drew 14 votes. More than twice as many club members (29) marked their ballots No Endorsement.
His reaction:
“We all know the Democratic Club is controlled by a very small group of people,” he said this afternoon.
“They have been able to stage-manage their endorsements for years.”
Ignoring the candidates with City Council experience, the Dems awarded their endorsements to two persons without Council seasoning, Jim Clarke and Meghan Sahli-Wells.
The 60-year-old club often favors pols left of center, which is where Mr. Malsin reposes. That is what baffles him.
“I would describe myself as a pro-business liberal Democrat,” said the 1½-term Councilman who hosts a fundraiser Saturday night at 6:30 at the Culver City Elks Lodge, 11160 Washington Pl. “While Culver City elections are nonpartisan, my actions come from that kind of political philosophy.
“It always has disappointed me that the group that does control the Democratic Club never has been able to recognize the fact they and I believe many of the same things.
“They make it a very personal thing.
“I never have gotten their endorsement.
“But I seem to have been able to win without them.”
On the wings of a standout, flawless-adjacent appearance at this week’s meeting, why does Mr. Malsin believe the venerable club continues not to endorse him?
“I think it is very personal,” he succinctly concluded.
See scottmalsin.com
