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Kam Kuwata, a Democratic campaign strategist in California for at least 25 years, was found dead in his Venice condo Monday. Police said there is no indication of foul play, the L.A. Times reports. Kuwata was closely connected to the late Sen. Alan Cranston and current Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and also worked for Mayor James Hahn locally and helped lead the campaign to defeat the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood secession moves in 2002. Kuwata worked for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008. LAT, Sacto Bee, Michael Blood/AP
* From Mark Z. Barabak: "Although relentless in his advocacy and quick to pounce on any perceived error or misrepresentation, Kuwata counted many reporters and rival strategists as friends, sealing those relationships over good food, expensive bourbon, cigars or a round of golf."
Statements after the jump: From President Obama, Feinstein, Gov. Jerry Brown, Sen. Barbara Boxer, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Hahn.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein:
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Kam Kuwata. California has lost a sharp political mind, and I’ve lost a loyal and dear friend of more than 20 years.Kam managed my first Senate campaign in 1992. We went through a lot together in those days, and no matter the circumstances, I could always rely on Kam’s great sense of humor, his good advice and his compassion for the people of California. He was respected by people in politics and journalism, something I always thought spoke volumes about the kind of person he was.
I am shocked by Kam’s death and reminded at how short life is. There will
never be another like Kam, and I will miss him.
Gov. Jerry Brown:
Kam Kuwata was a knowledgeable and insightful voice in California politics. His analytical skills, coupled with his gentle approach to a tough business, earned him the respect and friendship of his allies and opponents alike. Kam’s wisdom and graciousness will be missed."
Sen. Barbara Boxer:
I am saddened by this tremendous loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I will forever be grateful to him for the masterful work he has done for Senator Feinstein and so many other candidates and causes over the years. I will miss his brilliant mind, his sense of strategy and his quick wit – all of which he used to help keep the American dream alive for all Californians and all Americans.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:
I am shocked to hear of the passing of Kam Kuwata. Kam gave a lifetime to politics and public service. My prayers are with his family and large network of colleagues and friends during this difficult time.
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky:
I am shocked beyond belief to hear of Kam’s recent passing.Kam was the kind of person I thought would be around forever, a constant presence on the political scene. There was a certain honesty about Kam that you didn't find in too many people. I will never forget the twinkle in his eye when he was trying to persuade someone to support his candidate or his point of view. He could fight with the best and hold his own, but it never prevented him from maintaining a relationship with his adversary once the fight was over.
He was a great friend to me and Barbara. I will miss him dearly.
Superior Court Judge James Hahn, in the LA Weekly:
"He was always a calming influence," Hahn said. "In a room full of people, Kam would be the person who would let other people talk first, then come in with some short, wise saying....""From the very beginning, polls showed secession was winning by a big margin. It was going to be difficult to overcome the long festering aggravation of people who felt they hadn't been listened to....He spent a lot of time strategizing and really dealing with perceptions. It was a tremendous come-from-behind victory.
"I'm sure going to miss him," Hahn said.
Added: President Obama, in the L.A. Times, said "Kam's brilliance as a political strategist was matched by his passion for our country and the process by which we govern ourselves. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Kam's extended family of friends and to so many in California who mourn his passing."