Police Chief Bill Bratton renewed his endorsement of Councilman Jack Weiss for city attorney on Friday, but said he expected he would be able to work equally well if Carmen Trutanich wins out in the May 19 election.

"I am known for building consensus," Bratton said at a news conference on the steps of City Hall. "It is important that we all work together - the district attorney, the U.S. attorney, the city attorney. I have differences with them from time to time, but we all work together."

But, Bratton added he believes it would be easier to work with Weiss because of their relationship over the past seven years. Weiss has supported the LAPD's expansion plans and its efforts to protect against terrorist threats. He also helped find money for the department to process DNA rape kits.

Bratton appeared in one of Weiss' political commercials during the primary election, but has not been seen supporting Weiss much in recent weeks. In fact, Bratton can be seen in a Trutanich commercial pictured with Trutanich and District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Trutanich campaign officials said it was from a picture taken of the three at an event with narcotics officers. Bratton and Weiss said they had not seen the commercial.

Bratton also said he was surprised that the Los Angeles Police Protective League had decided to endorse Trutanich over Weiss.

"As far as I know, Jack Weiss has supported the Protective League and cops on every issue," Bratton said. "He has voted to give them more money, expand the ranks so they have more members. Frankly, I was flabbergasted when they didn't endorse him."

Protective League President Paul Weber said the decision on which candidate to endorse came about after a formal process with several interviews by the board's political action committee and a vote of its board of directors.

"We have an extensive process and at the end of it, we decided that Trutanich was the best candidate for City Attorney," Weber said.

Bratton also was asked once again if by making the endorsement he was at odds with the Christopher Commission report on LAPD reforms, recommending the chief remain out of local politics.

"I have implemented more Christopher Commission reforms than anyone, so I think I get a little leeway," Bratton said. "I am doing this in my role as a citizen of Los Angeles, not as police chief."