So laying people off is not something I do lightly, it's not something I relish.

We're not a homogeneous party, anymore than the Republicans are. But we are a party that I think has a plan to take us forward.

But I will say, I think there are some Democrats that don't want to address pension reform. I have taken on the issue of seniority and tenure. I think we have to address entitlements and the president has done that in his budget. I think we have to extend Medicare and the president has done that. But also reinvest in that program.

Actually, as president of the Conference of Mayors, we passed the Simpson-Bowles plan as a template, as a template, as a frame work for moving forward and the president has done the same.

Let me be clear - no one is above the law. Not a politician, not a priest, not a criminal, not a police officer. We are all accountable for our actions.

I'm not looking for a battle with anybody, neither the council nor our labor partners.

You all know I love L.A., but tonight I really love L.A.