LOS ANGELES, Calif.–Longtime Democratic political strategist Kam Kuwata was found dead today in his Venice condominium, officials said. He was 57.
There was no immediate word of the cause of death, and the coroner’s office will make that determination, a police spokesman said. However, authorities did not label the death suspicious.
“I am greatly saddened by the passing of Kam Kuwata,” Eric Bauman, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chairman, said. “Today, we lost a dear friend and a top Democratic political mind whose influential behind-the-scenes work had touched California and American politics alike.”
“Kam’s work extends nearly 30 years in campaign strategic planning, communications and messaging,” Bauman said. “He served in many key roles for major and local Democratic campaigns alike, including the campaigns of U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein, Daniel Akaka and Alan Cranston; along with Gray Davis, Leo McCarthy, Jim Hahn and Robert Matsui.
“On behalf of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, we extend our most sincere sympathy to the Kuwata family and friends,” Bauman said.
County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said he was “shocked beyond belief to hear of Kam’s recent passing.”
“Kam was the kind of person I thought would be around forever, a constant presence on the political scene,” Yaroslavsky said.
“There was a certain honesty about Kam that you didn’t find in too many people. I will never forget the twinkle in his eye when he was trying to persuade someone to support his candidate or his point of view. He could fight with the best and hold his own, but it never prevented him from maintaining a relationship with his adversary once the fight was over,” he said.
“He was a great friend to me and Barbara. I will miss him dearly,” Yaroslavsky said.
Police went to Kuwata’s home after friends became concerned about his welfare, Los Angeles police Sgt. Ron Pickering told the Los Angeles Times.
Pickering said there did not appear to be any sign of foul play.
