[img]1646|left|Mr. James||no_popup[/img]One of the central reasons that an elected Republican in Los Angeles is as rare as a dinosaur is that the city’s only influential newspaper, the hardline left-wing Los Angeles Titanic, won’t let him or her through the gate.

The Titanic treats Republicans as if they were illegal aliens. They treat illegal aliens as they should treat Republicans and other normal people.

Two days ago, the newspaper led off a series about the five mayoralty candidates with Kevin James, naturally the only Republican in the field.

Nineteen paragraphs in the grossly slanted 27-paragraph story were critical of Mr. James because he has changed his mind – over a period of years – about the environment, President Obama and immigration.

In each case, he has shifted from a sternly conservative stance to a more centrist one, a sensible model for all successful politicians – including the Titanic’s guy in the White House.

Mr. Obama radically changed his mind on six key pandering issues in the last seven months before November’s election. But, hey, Swish is hard left, the Titanic is hard left. So what is to disagree about? Swishy copped by claiming he had “evolved.” Republicans who evolve are called flip-floppers.

The Titanic sought to make hamburger of Mr. James’s already slender chances of finishing in the top two on Tuesday.

In each of the dozens of candidate forums, Mr. James consistently has been the most impressive presenter, from his vision to his flawless articulation, both superior to that of the three elected officials who are his competition.

Mr. James once figured to earn a strong ride from the Titanic in this campaign. His personal lifestyle folds into one of the newspaper’s favorite drumbeating causes – he is proudly gay and a pillar of the community.

No, thanks, the Titanic said. Wrong party, bub.

Drat.

Had he been black or brown or female or crippled or, ideally, a blend  – liberals are obliged to call them victims of horrible white men – the boys and girls at the Titanic still would be squeezing Mr. James so hard he never would have to wear a belt again.