Kam Kuwata, Democratic political consultant, dead at 57

Kam Kuwata, one of California’s best-known political consultants and a close campaign adviser to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, has died of apparent natural causes.

Kuwata, 57,  was found dead in his Venice, Calif., residence.

The family sent an email to friends and acquaintances saying that Los Angeles police officers had found Kuwata on the floor of his condominium, the Sacramento Bee reported. There was no indication of foul play.

The gentle-spoken Kuwata, a fixture in Feinstein’s campaigns, also worked on the late California Sen. Alan Cranston’s presidential bid, and served as a key adviser to a top tier of California politicians, including Leo McCarthy, Gray Davis, James Hahn, Robert Matsui and Jane Harman. A lifelong Democrat, Kuwata also handled political campaigns in Hawaii. He has been a Democratic political consultant for the last 25 years.

Kuwata, a political science graduate of the University of Southern California, also served as program director for the Obama campaign at the 2008 National Democratic Convention in Denver.

“Kam Kuwata was a knowledgeable and insightful voice in California politics,” Gov. Brown said in a statement released by his office. “His analytical skills, coupled with his gentle approach to a tough business, earned him the respect and friendship of his allies and opponents alike. Kam’s wisdom and graciousness will be missed.”