Ideological Battle Brewing In Race To Replace Harman
Progressive activist Marcy Winograd inched closer to running in the special election to replace Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), but her decision to run may hinge on whether California Secretary of State Debra Bowen also throws her hat in the ring.
Both Bowen and Winograd have strong reputations in the progressive community, and their candidacies would signal an ideological fight within the Democratic party for the seat. Progressives believe this open seat as their chances to elect a like-minded member of Congress - especially given their frosty relations with Harman - and aren't enthused with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, a more-moderate candidate who announced for the seat Monday.
Winograd, who challenged Harman in both the 2006 and 2010 Democratic primaries, tweeted Tuesday morning that, "With Harman resigning, I am considering a run -- though interested in speaking with Bowen about forging a new economy for the 36th." Winograd also wrote that Hahn, had called her to let her know of her decision and "assured me she was anti-war, also a 'friend of Israel.'"
But Winograd didn't sound convinced of Hahn's liberal bona fides, telling POLITICO's Ben Smith Monday evening that Hahn's answer was a "knee-jerk response." In her campaigns against Harman, Winograd made the congresswoman's vote in favor of the initial invasion of Iraq and her support for Israel the centerpiece of her challenge.
Winograd ended by saying "We need a progressive voice in DC, someone to challenge expanded wars, be they sponsored by the GOP or Dems. Harman resigns; Free the 36th." Winograd moved outside of the Venice-based district after her last campaign, but a candidate does not have to live inside the district in order to run.
Bowen is popular among grassroots progressives, and if she enters she would likely shoot to the top of the field, along with Hahn. Daily Kos blogger Steve Singiser called her a "well-respected progressive" and pointed out she was well-received at Netroots Nation two years ago.
Hahn has moved quickly to line up support for her candidacy, though, reportedly getting the early backing of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and hiring Joe Trippi as her media consultant.
Other prospective Democratic candidates include James Lau, the former director of the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, who lost a close Assembly race last year. Two Democrats have already said they won't run - Assemblyman Warren Furutani and former Assemblyman Ted Lieu, currently running to fill a vacant state Senate seat.
On the Republican side, Mattie Fein, Harman's challenger last year who lost by 25 points, has said she may run. Republican businessman Damon Dunn, a former NFL player, is another possibility -- he challenged Bowen last year in the Secretary of State's race, losing by 15 points.
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