AP Photo L.A. mayor endorses Clinton, then takes it back

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, sort of.

On Thursday, Garcetti’s office sent out a press release throwing the mayor's support behind the Democratic front-runner, and talking up her credentials. "I’m proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for president because I know that she understands the challenges and opportunities facing our cities and will be a powerful leader in building our future," Garcetti wrote. “In Hillary Clinton, Mayors will have a partner, someone ready to stand up for our mainstream economy.”


But then an hour later he took it back.

"Today's statement on Hillary Clinton was sent in error," a second press release said.

Peter Jamison, a Los Angeles Times reporter who originally covered the story, said that the retraction came “after @latimes asked about misuse of mayor's comms staff/computers for campaign activity.”

In California it is illegal to use government resources – including equipment – for endorsements, according to The Times.

A member of Garcetti’s staff told The Times that the original press release was sent from the wrong email account, but didn’t clarify if it was actually retracted.