Wesson draws criticism after praising Huizar at campaign event

1/16

Newark, N.J., Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Cory Booker had his Twitter dalliances with a Portland stripper exposed by Buzzfeed, with their privates tweets published for the world to see. But the “scandal” is merely titillation by association. There’s no evidence that Booker, who is single, ever tried to take their relationship beyond the tweets. And Booker’s team has taken the news in stride. “The only mildly surprising thing about this story is the news that there’s a vegan strip club in Portland,” his campaign said. (Mel Evans / Associated Press)

2/16

Former Congressman Anthony Weiner, who left office after a flurry of indiscretions on Twitter were revealed to the public, has admitted to continuing his online pursuits after his departure from Congress. Despite his admission, Weiner will remain in New York City’s ongoing mayoral race. (John Minchillo / Associated Press)

3/16

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has been accused of numerous instances of sexual harassment, running as far back to his stint in Congress to his current office. Deemed “Filthy Filner” by employees, Filner has so far been accused of indiscretions by 13 women. A number of fellow Democrats have called for Filner’s resignation, but he has so far refused to step down. (Greg Bull / Associated Press)

4/16

Former Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford revealed an extramarital affair in 2009. State lawmakers rejected impeachment, but recommended a formal rebuke related to state funds he spent for travel related to the affair. He served out the remainder of his second term, which expired in January 2011, and was largely absent from politics before mounting a successful 2013 campaign to represent South Carolina in Congress. (Rainier Ehrhardt / Associated Press)

5/16

David Petraeus submitted his resignation as director of the CIA on November 9, 2012 citing an extramarital affair. (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

6/16

John Edwards, a Democratic former senator, vice presidential nominee and two-time presidential candidate, has been indicted on charges that he used campaign contributions to hide an extramarital affair. (Steve Exum/Getty)

7/16

Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) resigned in 2010 after it was revealed he had an extramarital affair with a staffer. (Tom Williams/Getty)

8/16

Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) resigned in 2010 during an ethics investigation into sexual harassment charges involving a male staffer. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty)

9/16

Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) did not seek reelection in 2008 after a drunk driving conviction and revelations of an extramarital affair in which he fathered a child. (Tom Williams/Getty)

10/16

Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) lost his reelection in 2008 after it was revealed that he had put a former mistress on his staff. Mahoney had succeeded GOP Rep. Mark Foley, who resigned two years earlier amid scandal. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

11/16

New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, a Democrat, resigned in 2004 after acknowledging an extramarital affair with another man. (William Bird/Getty)

12/16

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) was linked to an escort service scandal in 2007. He acknowledged his misbehavior and was reelected in 2010. (Bill Clark/Getty)

13/16

Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in an airport restroom and was admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee. He resisted calls to resign, but did not seek reelection in 2008. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press)

14/16

Republican Jack Ryan abandoned his 2004 campaign for a Senate seat in Illinois after allegations in a divorce case that he had taken his wife -- actress Jeri Ryan, whom he divorced in 1999 -- to sex clubs. Barack Obama was elected to the Senate seat. (Scott Olson/Getty)

15/16

Rep. Gary Condit (D-Calif.) lost his reelection primary in 2002 after it was revealed he had an extramarital affair with intern Chandra Levy, who disappeared in 2001 and was found slain a year later. A Salvadoran immigrant was convicted of killing her. (Stephen J. Boitano / Associated Press)

16/16

Gary Hart, a former Colorado senator, lost his 1988 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination amid revelations he had had an extramarital affair. (Ed Andrieski / Associated Press)

By David Zahniser

Oct. 23, 2013 7 AM PT

Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson gave a resounding endorsement of Councilman Jose Huizar this week, telling an audience of lobbyists, business leaders and labor officials that Huizar is his “best friend” on the 15-member council.

“Mr. Huizar is like my brother, my best friend on the council. I trust him with my life, he does the same for me,” said Wesson, headlining Huizar’s reelection campaign kickoff Tuesday at Exchange Los Angeles, a downtown nightclub.

Those comments, which were captured on a video later obtained by The Times, sparked criticism from one advocate who questioned whether Wesson will be impartial once it comes time to review the findings of a pending sexual harassment investigation into Huizar.

Three months ago, Wesson instructed city officials to form a special committee to investigate a complaint lodged against Huizar by Francine Godoy, a former Huizar staffer. That five-member panel, known as the Special Committee on Investigative Oversight, is charged with submitting its findings to Wesson and his colleagues, according to personnel officials.

Godoy said in her lawsuit that Huizar punished her for refusing to provide “sexual favors.” Huizar called Godoy’s allegations false but said he engaged in an extramarital affair with her -- one he considers to be a “huge mistake.”

Patricia Bellasalma, president of the California chapter of the National Organization for Women, said Wesson’s appearance at the fundraiser -- and his fulsome praise of Huizar -- is “tantamount to picking sides” in the harassment dispute.

“I think it’s highly inappropriate,” said Bellasalma. “The allegations are serious. They have to be impartially and thoroughly investigated, and he should respect that process.”

Asked on Wednesday about his appearance at the fundraiser, Wesson said he will be impartial regardless of his involvement.

“I will reserve judgment” until the committee’s investigation process does “what it’s supposed to,” Wesson said. “At the end of that process, that’s when it’s appropriate for everyone to make judgment, not prior to that.”

Wesson also said he is “100% behind” Huizar.

“I was talking about his reelection. I was there to support his reelection and I support him. I keep my word,” the council president added.

ALSO:

Councilman Huizar says affair with staffer was “huge mistake”

L.A. Council prepares to ban use of bullhooks on circus elephants

Huizar’s supporters say councilman’s woes have not shaken their support

Twitter: @davidzahniser

[email protected]