Brice Harris assumes control of the community college system in California on Tuesday. Read about it here.

Long-time politicos in Kansas City will recognize the name. Harris ran for mayor in 1991, against Emanuel Cleaver, the late Bob Lewellen, and the late Dick King, among others, in the most intense campaign -- of any kind -- most here had ever seen.

Most of the campaign focused on King, who was backed by many labor groups, and Harris, who had the business community. The two savaged each other -- King accused on improprieties in his personal life, and tax problems; Harris accused of inflating his resume.

When the dust cleared, both lost in the primary. Instead Cleaver and Lewellen faced off, with Cleaver winning.

Harris left Kansas City soon after the defeat. He still declines to discuss the experience with reporters here.