The Power of Endorsements

That, and other news, in Monday's Political Panorama.

As the year goes on, it will be more and more difficult for candidates to raise money. Already, so many people have maxed out to a particular candidate, meaning that they already have given the limit, or that they are simply sick of fund-raisers. So it becomes a game of finding new sources of untapped money.

The Los Angeles Times and other media outlets have reported on the courting of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's endorsement, and the betting is that he will back Hillary Clinton. That will mean a lot in being able to draw on his base of support from which to find different donors.

And in the entertainment industry, Clinton's campaign is excited by the endorsement of News Corp. COO Peter Chernin --- not just because he's a high profile figure, but because he can be a bit more visible than maybe other media execs are in raising money. As the thinking goes, because Rupert Murdoch has been so visible on the Republican side, Chernin is perhaps freer to be more active in his support of Democratic candidates because he balances things out at News Corp. Murdoch did raise money for Hillary's Senate campaign, but has already sent out the word that it's doubtful he would back her presidential race. Plans are afoot for him to co-host an event for Hillary, and probably with Steven Spielberg, who is as yet undecided. Other names may be added to the list as well.

Notable and Quotable: Introducing Clinton at her big fund-raiser on Saturday night, Mary Steenburgen drew a great deal of applause for her remark, "It's time to elect the best man for the job. This time that person happens to be a woman." Also heard about the Burkle venue: "My God, this is more of a park than a backyard." Video of the event, as Barbra Streisand asks a question.

Race Card: Speaking at Saturday's Human Rights Campaign dinner, Bill Richardson admitted that he was a star-struck Trekkie with the appearance at the event of "Sulu," George Takei. Richardson did have one gripe: "I don't understand why the Hispanic Khan --- Ricardo Montalban --- is always the bad guy." More seriously, Richardson pledged to pass a domestic partnership bill in New Mexico, and if elected President to overturn "don't ask, don't tell." "I will end this disrespectful policy." His biggest cheers came when he noted that New Mexico "passed a medical marijuana bill." After some laughs, he said, "I didn't know that was one of your issues, too."

Maher on Her: A lot of what Bill Maher said at the same event --- in which he received the group's Equality Award --- is unprintable here. He did quite a riff on Ann Coulter's calling John Edwards a "faggot." Basically, he sees her "f" word as a code word for those who "cares about the poor, reads the newspaper and speaks in complete sentences." What Richardson said about Coulter was a bit more G-rated. "We are fed up with Karl Rove's machinations and Ann Coulter. Actually, we're fed up with Ann Coulter, period."

Is Thompson Closer?: Rep. Zack Wamp (R-Tenn.) tells The Politico that he believes that Fred Thompson is "seriously preparing" for a presidential run.

Edwards Postscript: At Friday's Edwards event, there was some hubbub over Edwards, the Clintons and phone calls, reports Nikki Finke of LA Weekly...Among those who were there was Andy Spahn, whose clients include Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg. He says of Edwards, "I was very moved and inspired by his speech. I was very impressed. He laid out his vision for the country" in areas like health care, foreign policy and the environment. "It is as good a presidential address as I've seen." Katzenberg is backing Obama, and Spielberg has written checks for Obama, Clinton and Edwards.