If Gray Davis Seeks Cory Job, Scramble Is On

Even before Assemblyman Gray Davis (D-Los Angeles) formally enters the race for state controller, a host of potential Democratic successors have begun scrambling to run for his seat in the affluent 43rd District, which encompasses communities in West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

In interviews with several legislators, lawyer Lisa Specht, who lost a bid for city attorney last year, emerged as the apparent front-runner. Among her strengths, the legislators said, were her close ties to Reps. Howard Berman and Henry Waxman and their potent Westside Democratic political organization and her name identification in the district.

Because of its wealth and its liberal activist politics, the district is a high-profile one in state politics. In years past, it has served as a launching pad for ambitious politicians and a key fund-raising source for Democrats around the state.

Specht confirmed that she is sounding out supporters, including members of the Berman-Waxman group, but said she has not made up her mind to run.

‘Terrific Job’

“I think the job is a terrific job, and if it was in Los Angeles I would announce for it right away,” said Specht, who explained that she was concerned that being in Sacramento could put a strain on her marriage.

As candidates began to jockey for position, lawmakers acknowledged that Berman and Waxman will play a central role in deciding who will be the Democratic nominee.

Neither Berman nor Waxman could be reached for comment, but state Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles), a close ally of the two congressmen, said: “We will have a major input into whoever runs.” If the Berman-Waxman organization unites behind a candidate, he added, “that person probably would get elected.”

When Davis, chief of staff for former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., first ran for the seat and won in 1982, he was not considered particularly close to Berman or Waxman. Indeed, one lawmaker, who asked to remain anonymous, joked Thursday that the congressmen had “temporarily rented the seat to Davis” and now want it back.

Another assemblyman, who also did not want his name used, said “a lot of pressure” is being applied to the congressmen to support a woman candidate.

The speculation began after Davis said that he would seriously consider running for controller if incumbent Kenneth Cory stepped aside, as Cory did on Thursday. Davis, however, postponed announcement of a final decision on the controller’s race until today.

Before Davis was elected to the seat in 1982, the district was represented by Berman. With Democratic registration at nearly 56%, the Democratic nominee is regarded as a strong favorite to win the general election.

The district straddles the Santa Monica Mountains west of downtown Los Angeles, and includes West Hollywood, Westwood, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Encino.

Carl D’Agostino, a partner in a political consulting business with Berman’s brother, Michael, listed as potentially strong candidates both Specht and Terry Friedman, executive director of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, who is close to members of the Berman-Waxman organization. Friedman could not be reached for comment.

Yaroslavsky Mentioned

Neither could Los Angeles City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky, whose name also surfaced in connection with the race. But Michelle Krotinger, the councilman’s press secretary, discounted the reports and said that if Yaroslavsky was interested in higher office it would more likely be the controller’s contest. Yaroslavsky is also regarded as an ally of Berman and Waxman.

Two other potential Democratic candidates--Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn., and West Hollywood City Councilman Alan Viterbi--voiced an interest in the race.

Legislators suggested two other potential candidates: Carol E. Schatz, a savings and loan industry executive, and Barry C. Groveman, head of the environmental unit of the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

If Davis, the incumbent, bows out of the Assembly contest, the filing deadline for the post is automatically extended until 5 p.m. next Wednesday. For all seats in which the incumbent is seeking reelection, the filing deadline is 5 p.m. today.