Marion McKeone: Another billionaire disrupting the political scene with LA mayor bid

Rick Caruso, a luxury property developer who claims he can solve Los Angeles’ chronic homelessness problem in 300 days, looks set to outpoll Karen Bass, a popular congresswoman with 40 years’ political experience

Rick Caruso, who is running for mayor of Los Angeles, has attracted voters with his proposed solutions to the city’s homelessness problem. Picture: Getty

Despite all evidence to the contrary, Americans continue to harbour a touching belief that billionaires, Hollywood B-listers, wrestlers, reality TV stars and even bodybuilders will prove better at politics than those who have been immersed in it for decades.

And while Mike Bloomberg, the Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Democrat, proved a surprisingly effective mayor of New York, the exception that proves the rule is no deterrent to voters who are inclined to roll the dice on an unknown political ...