Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Page 3
Latest Entrant in D.A. Race Appears to Be First Out
By a MetNews Staff Writer
The latest entrant into the crowded field of candidates to succeed District Attorney Steve Cooley appeared Friday to have pulled the plug on his longshot candidacy.
In an email to the MetNews Friday, Deputy District Attorney Marcus Musante wrote:
“I really thought I could help with the race. It’s such a ‘perfect storm’ of politics, with so much uncertainty, that how could I pass up the chance? And ‘Justice’ is all I know. But I lost my way
“Perhaps I was foolish to think that I could reach the people so early and purely. Perhaps one only has the right to talk the talk if he/she intends to walk the walk. And there are already more than enough brave souls walking that walk.
“Now is not my time.
“And thank you.”
Musante could not be reached late Friday for elaboration.
Musante entered the contest in late October, promising to stop prosecuting drug possession, not seek the death penalty, and eliminate most third-strike prosecutions. The late start, however, prevented him from participating in the first joint appearance of the candidates, sponsored by a number of bar groups at the beginning of November, and it did not appear that he could raise the money needed to be a viable contender.
Musante, 33, is a graduate of Boston University and Loyola Law School, and was admitted to the State Bar in 2004. His best known case was that of Rianne Theriault-Odom, sentenced to life imprisonment last year for dousing an exotic dancer and setting her on fire outside a Tarzana bar.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey and Deputy District Attorneys Bobby Grace, Steve Ipsen, Alan Jackson, Danette Meyers and Mario Trujillo are actively seeking the office. Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has labeled his candidacy “exploratory,” and will reportedly disclose that he has raised in the vicinity of $1 million for the campaign when disclosure is due at the end of the month.
Copyright 2012, Metropolitan News Company