July 29--In the wake of Boston's dropping its bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics, politicians from across Southern California have spoken up in favor of Los Angeles' being named as a replacement candidate.
On Wednesday, Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles) and 20 other members of Congress from the region sent a bipartisan letter to Larry Probst, chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
"Because many of the competition venues, transportation options and lodging availability are already present, Los Angeles is ready, now," they wrote.
A day earlier, Los Angeles City Councilman Bob Blumenfield also supported the city bidding for the Games.
"We have always embraced the spirit and mission of the Olympic movement," he said in a statement.
The city's bid campaign has been run through Mayor Eric Garcetti's office.
The USOC contacted local bid representatives on Monday evening. The committee was also expected to speak with San Francisco and Washington, the other finalists in last winter's competition to be named the American candidate.
