U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson: A ‘virtual shoo-in’ for reelection
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We have so many members of Congress in California that they often escape media coverage. That said, I thought I’d learn a little about Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) (pictured, left), and pass it on. Richardson has denied press reports this week that she lost her Sacramento home to foreclosure.
--She’s a Sen. Hillary Clinton supporter. She endorsed Clinton in September.
--She likes the Realtors, and they like her. She filed financial disclosure forms with the House Ethics Committee reporting the National Assn. of Realtors flew her to Las Vegas in November to help swear in the new president of the association, Realtor Dick Gaylord of Long Beach.
--In suggested remarks* at the NAR gathering, also filed with the House, Richardson’s script read: ‘I might be one of the newest members of Congress but I am not a new member of the REALTOR Party. When I needed help to win a tough primary, REALTORS stood up and backed me even though I was the underdog.’
--Real estate industry professionals have given her $39,500 in campaign contributions in the current election cycle, according to Open Secrets. Various unions really like her: they’ve given her $153,000 this cycle, according to Open Secrets.
--She won her seat in a special election last year after the incumbent, Juanita Millender-McDonald, died.
--Her district, the 37th, includes Compton, Carson, and parts of Long Beach.
--She faces a primary challenge on June 3 from Democrats Lee Davis and Peter Mathews, but their combined vote total in last year’s 16-person Democratic primary was just 4%, and her hometown paper, the Long Beach Press-Telegram, has called her ‘a virtual shoo-in for re-election based on last year’s Democratic primary results.’
* It is not clear whether Richardson actually delivered the prepared remarks she filed with the House. Her office has not responded to questions regarding the trip.
Photo: Los Angeles Times