Kroeker's progressive supporters find a disturbing irony in the entire discussion. To them, Kroeker's actions after the disclosures have burnished the veteran police commander, made him a better man and a more fit leader for the LAPD.
But not everyone is so sure. "I know that the mayor, in a meeting with a lot of the gay community, made very clear that he's interested in a chief for the whole city," said Rebecca Isaacs, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's interim executive director. "And so the question really is, is this something that any candidate can do, including Mark Kroeker? Can he be the police chief for the whole city?"