Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted an off-the-record meeting introducing mayoral candidate Nithya Raman to Hollywood, business and nonprofit figures. After placing second in the June 2 primary, Raman will face Karen Bass in the Nov. 3 runoff; Schwarzenegger has not endorsed her.
The meeting was reportedly held at Schwarzenegger’s Los Angeles office. TMZ reported that attendees included representatives of United Talent Agency and Main Street Advisors, leaders of nonprofits connected to Schwarzenegger, and figures from clean-tech and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. They could question Raman about her plans for the city.
Sources said some attendees arrived with reservations but were impressed after hearing Raman discuss the city’s challenges and how she would address them. Schwarzenegger’s chief of staff, Daniel Ketchell, said the meeting reflected his interest in bringing business, Hollywood and policy leaders together. Ketchell said Raman faced difficult questions and could address whatever attendees raised.
