Arizona threatens to leave LA in dark

PHOENIX, May 20 (UPI) -- Arizona is threatening to cut off electricity to Los Angeles if the City of Angels doesn't reverse its decision to boycott the state over its immigration law.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce sent a letter to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Tuesday, urging him to "reconsider the wisdom of attempting to harm Arizona's economy," ABC News reported Wednesday. Arizona provides 25 percent of Los Angeles' power.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-1 last week to boycott Arizona and Arizona-based businesses, joining several other municipalities boycotting Arizona because of the law that, among other things, requires law enforcement personnel to ask for documentation from people they believe are in the country illegally.

"I feel like if you're going to boycott the candy store, you've got to leave all the candy alone," Pierce said. "I feel like Arizona is the candy store."

If Los Angeles is serious about its boycott, Pierce told ABC News, "I would be happy to help them to renegotiate the power agreements so they no longer receive power from Arizona. When temperatures rise over 100 degrees we're going to love to have the extra power."

Arizona residents also have written letters to nearby San Diego, threatening to stay away from the popular tourist destination unless they call off their boycott.

Thing is, San Diego never voted to boycott Arizona, ABC News said. It approved language condemning Arizona's immigration law and voted to urge lawmakers to repeal the law.

"The challenge we've had is that they think we are one of the cities that have boycotted Arizona, and that's not the case," said Joe Terzi, chief executive officer of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau.