Former D.A. Cooley backs Republican Carr in race for Waxman seat

Former Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley has endorsed first-time candidate Elan S. Carr, who is running in a crowded field to replace retiring Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills).

Carr, a deputy district attorney and Iraq war veteran, is a Republican in a strongly Democratic district.

Cooley, also a Republican, said in a statement released by the Carr campaign: “When it comes to tackling crime and making sure our families are safe, Elan Carr is the clear choice -- that’s why I hired him to be a deputy district attorney a decade ago.”

Noting Carr’s military service in Iraq and his work prosecuting gang crimes, Cooley added: “We need more leaders like Elan in Washington. For that reason, he has my full endorsement and support.”

Waxman’s 33rd District, which runs from the Westside and Malibu and down the coast through the Palos Verdes Peninsula, already has drawn several contenders, including two current or former officeholders, a radio talk show host and columnist and a best-selling author, among others.

Waxman is retiring at the end of the year after four decades in Congress.

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jean.merl@latimes.com
Twitter: @jeanmerl