Richard Riordan (R), former LA mayor

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/riordan-endorse.html

September 17, 2008 - 9:34am

Former L.A. Mayor crosses party lines, endorses Obama

By James B. Gerber

Category: President, LocalTags: Richard Riordan, John McCain, Barack Obama

Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan: Getty Images PhotoFormer Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, a Republican, is backing Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and attended a high-profile Beverly Hills fundraiser for the candidate last night.

He explained to KCAL-TV why he had crossed party lines. "I think he's a much more open person," Riordan said as he arrived at the event, which featured a performance by Barbra Streisand. "He's young, he has more energy, more electricity."

Riordan, who served two terms in City Hall from 1993 to 2001, also had some choice words on his past dealings with Obama's opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

"When I was mayor I had dealings with McCain where I didn't respect him," Riordan said.