As the race for Los Angeles County district attorney reaches the home stretch, with absentee balloting to start on Monday, DA candidate and Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey has a lot to be confident about.

In addition to earning the support of unions representing Los Angeles city police officers and county deputy sheriffs, Lacey has also garnered endorsements from current District Attorney Steve Cooley and from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Lacey has served as a member of the District Attorney’s executive management team for ten years and has come a long way from her beginnings as the daughter of two working class parents in Los Angeles.

If Lacey is elected over her opponent, Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, she would be the first woman and first African-American to be the chief prosecutor for the county.

In a close race in which both candidates have relevant experience, what are the key factors that will ultimately give either candidate the winning edge? What would having its first female and first African-American DA mean for the city of Los Angeles?

Guest:

Jackie Lacey, Chief Deputy District Attorney of Los Angeles County and one of two candidates running to be elected as the new chief prosecutor