The L.A. County Federation of Labor has started its much-anticipated campaign against Councilman Bernard Parks, dropping $20,000 into a committee to support challenger Forescee Hogan-Rowles.

That's more money than Hogan-Rowles raised all last year, but probably only a down payment on what it will take to unseat the two-term incumbent.

The initial contribution of $20,480 is for “estimated field expenses,” according to a campaign finance report.

Parks kicked off his campaign on Saturday in Leimert Park, where he was

joined by several council members and Rep. Maxine Waters.

“We're going to have to do everything we can to overcome the awesome sums of money they're going to drop into this district,” Waters said. “We can overcome the money with people power.”

Parks has angered labor by threatening DWP pensions and calling for increased layoffs of city employees.

Harold Greenberg, past president of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said a coalition of business groups would fund an independent campaign supporting Parks.

“Parks has got to work,” Greenberg said. “He can't take this for granted or as a foregone conclusion.”

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