Richardson opponent cites a “pattern of financial irresponsibility”

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A journalist I respect suggested to me that, if I was going to devote space to the various financial travails of Rep. Laura Richardson, it is only fair that I give her Democratic opponents a chance to comment on her behavior. She is, after all, on the ballot Tuesday in California’s 37th Congressional District.

Today Peter Mathews, a college professor challenging Richardson in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, accused her of ‘a pattern of financial irresponsibility,’ citing published reports Richardson has defaulted at least seven times on three homes, including a default that led to foreclosure on a house in Sacramento this spring.

‘It just seems to me she has not been financially responsible, and I’m wondering how she can be responsible for a federal budget when she can’t balance your own budget,’ Mathews told me.

‘She’s not an average working American. She’s making almost $170,000 a year,’ Mathews continued. ‘And most Americans don’t own three homes. We need a congressman who can focus on the Iraq war, the economy, the environment and universal health care, which I support. A congressman should not be diverted by personal financial problems. It leaves her vulnerable to influence from the outside, especially from special interest groups.’

He continued: ‘I wish her well as a private citizen, an individual. Everyone has faults and failings, but in this case it’s a public official who has to be responsible to the public.’

Richardson has not responded to repeated requests for comment from L.A. Land and declined to be interviewed for an article published in today’s Los Angeles Times.

Mathews is a professor of political science at Cypress College and a community organizer. You can view his campaign Web site here. The other Democrat in Tuesday’s primary, Lee Davis, did not immediately return a call for comment Saturday morning.

Your thoughts? Comments? E-mail story tips to peter.viles@latimes.com