Kam Kuwata, one of California's leading and best-known Democratic political consultants, has died. Police officers reportedly found him on the floor of his condo in Venice, California. He was 57: Leading California Democratic strategist Kam Kuwata dies at 57. Friend and family apparently grew concerned when they had not heard from Kuwata for several days. The cause of death was not immediately known, but there was reportedly no indication of foul play. He was a highly regarded political personality who worked as a top strategist for Dianne Feinstein:
Kuwata began his political career working in the mailroom for then-U.S. Sen. Alan Cranston. He worked for Cranston's 1984 presidential campaign and established himself as one of the state's best-known strategists - and most quotable voices - as the voluble spokesman for Cranston's 1986 reelection campaign. Cranston ultimately edged out Rep. Ed Zschau after a close and hard-fought campaign.Here is President Obama's statement on the passing of Kam Kuwata:
In 1992, Kuwata joined Bill Carrick, a Los Angeles-based Democratic strategist and Kuwata's longtime friend and campaign partner, as a top strategist for Dianne Feinstein, helping win the U.S. Senate seat she still holds. Kuwata helped Feinstein win reelection several times and, up until his death, was talking up her prospects for another run in 2012.
Other clients included Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka, former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn and former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice). In 2008, he helped then-Sen. Barack Obama's campaign team manage the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Kam Kuwata. Kam's brilliance as a political strategist was matched by his passion for our country and the process by which we govern ourselves. I'll never forget the critical contribution Kam made to our efforts in 2008, planning an open, vibrant Convention that really captured the spirit of our campaign. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Kam's extended family of friends and to so many in California who mourn his passing."Kuwata's passing has also elicited responses from Senator Feinstein, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor Jim Hahn, Governor Jerry Brown. More here: Veteran Political Consultant Kam Kuwata Found Dead At Home.