(May 17, 2005) -- The Mayoral campaign of retired LB Councilman/Vice Mayor Doug Drummond has announced it has the endorsement of LB area Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (D., LB-Carson).

Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, whose district includes roughly 80% of LB, said in a release issued by the Drummond campaign:

"I have worked with Doug Drummond on many issues affecting our region. He has always been an effective and well-respected representative for Long Beach. He is not only extremely knowledgeable about the issues that affect the Southern California region; he is able to offer innovative solutions. I believe he would be an excellent Mayor for the City of Long Beach."

Mr. Drummond said in the release:

"I am honored to have Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's endorsement for Mayor. I look forward to working with her to make sure the people of Long Beach are well represented in Washington D.C. and the region."

In April (as previously reported by LBReport.com) the Drummond Mayoral campaign announced it has the endorsement of L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca.

Retired Councilman Drummond rose through LBPD's ranks from beat cop to Commander before representing LB's 3d Council district (1990-98). In early January 2005, he was the first to file paperwork seeking the LB Mayoral post.

In March, Randal Hernandez, formerly chief of staff to Mayor Beverly O'Neill and Appointments Secretary to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced his candidacy...along with the endorsement of L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe.

The 3d district's current Councilman, Frank Colonna, also served as Vice Mayor but has not formally announced his future plans. Nor has current Vice Mayor and 5th district Councilmember Jackie Kell.

Councilmembers Colonna and Kell both face LB's term limits law, effectively requiring them to retire, seek another office or pursue a write-in candidacy for reelection. Councilman Dan Baker, also a former Vice Mayor, has likewise not announced his plans...although his Council term doesn't expire until 2008.

During his Council tenure, Councilman/Vice Mayor Drummond represented LB on the Southern California Association of Governments and was the first chair of the newly formed Gateway Cities Council of Governments representing 27 cities in southeast LA County. (Councilman Colonna subsequently held that post.)

Drummond has also served in leadership positions with (among others) the Downtown Lions Club, Boys and Girls Club, LB Chapter of the Red Cross, LB Youth Home and the LB Historical Society...and currently serves as president of the LB Area Republican Party.

What about Republican Drummond carrying the endorsement of Democrat Millender-McDonald? Mr. Drummond told LBReport.com in January:

"This is a non-partisan race. It's not about Republicans or Democrats. It's about issues in the city and it's about managing the city's resources for the improvement of life for the people who live in Long Beach. We should stay focused on issues, not partisan politics."