◼ Kam Kuwata, a veteran political consultant who worked for Sen. Dianne Feinstein and former L.A. Mayor Jim Hahn, has died. He was 57. - LA Weekly
◼ Death of political consultant Kam Kuwata stuns California Democrats - McClatchy
The body of highly regarded Democratic political consultant Kam Kuwata was found in his Southern California condominium Monday, sending shock waves that reached all the way to Capitol Hill.
Kuwata was 57, a wily and good-humored operator who helped some of California's most well-known politicians win election time and time again.
"He was a political wonk, who loved campaigns," said Mark Kadesh, former chief of staff for Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. "He was also one of the nicest, most sincere political professionals I have ever known."
In a statement, Feinstein added that she was "deeply saddened" at Kuwata's death, which she said was a reminder of "how short life is."
"California has lost a sharp political mind," Feinstein said, "and I've lost a loyal and dear friend of more than 20 years."
...Los Angeles police officers found Kuwata's body on the office floor of his condo in Venice, according to an e-mail sent by a Kuwata family member. Friends and family members had reportedly alerted police after becoming concerned about not being able to reach him.
Out-of-touch was out-of-character for Kuwata. During a robust political career that began with service as a grunt for the late Democratic Sen. Alan Cranston, Kuwata roamed through a famously wide universe of elected officials, newshounds, gossip-swappers and golfing buddies....
◼ Kam Kuwata - ben Smith/Politico
◼ Kam Kuwata Dies at 57 - TIME
◼ The Death of a Political Operative – The Troubling Timeline… (UPDATED) - The Ulsterman Report January 22, 2012
◼ Senator Feinstein’s Very Specific Code Word Regarding Barack Obama - The Ulsterman Report June 10, 2012
