What is it about the coastal area around Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Venice?
This is the same region that saw the nastiest Assembly primary race last year, in which big polluters spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to attack pro-environmental and consumer rights champion Betsy Butler for, of all things, being pro-polluter. (Clearly a false charge.)
Admittedly, things aren’t nearly as ugly in the race to replace former Congresswoman Jane Harman, but the special election between Secretary of State Debra Bowen and LA City Councilmember Janice Hahn (along with more than a dozen other candidates) has certainly, and surprisingly, been dirtier than necessary. From accusations about candidates taking dirty money, to not being Democratic enough in a very Democratic district, to questionable/unethical relationships between an elected and her potential business clients, this race has seen a surprising amount of mudslinging that would make Karl Rove proud.
But here’s what you should know and what you should focus on: The race will be close, but all indications suggest it will be a run-off between CLCV-endorsed candidate Debra Bowen and Janice Hahn.
In fact, according to a recently released poll by the Bowen campaign, both Bowen and Hahn are tied at 20%. The next closest candidate is Republican Mike Gin at 8% and third party favorite Marcy Winograd gets 6%. With 24% still undecided, it’s certainly possible that anyone can become one of the two highest vote-getters and head to the run-off. With just a few weeks left to go, though, it’ll be harder for anyone who is not Hahn or Bowen.
But one thing is certain: if one of these other candidates manages to make it to the run-off, they will have done it without the support of environmental advocates, because Debra Bowen is the clear environmental choice in this race. With her long track record of environmental leadership and representing the district, Debra Bowen won our endorsement last month, and today, the Sierra Club followed our lead by also endorsing Bowen. (Good choice.)
With the special election coming up May 17th, now is the time for the environmental community to come out strong and make sure Bowen makes it to the run-off. Please make your pledge to support Debra Bowen and volunteer for her campaign! Grassroot support will bring Bowen over the finish line, so please make your mark in this important race!
