GOP Asked to Put Beilenson on Target List

The Republican congressional delegation from California this week asked a key national GOP organization to target the San Fernando Valley congressional race pitting Republican George Woolverton of Tarzana against incumbent Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Los Angeles).

The delegation forwarded its request on Thursday to the National Republican Congressional Committee, which is the campaign arm for Republican House members.

When the committee targets a race, it contributes money, advice and resources to a candidate. The targeting signifies that the committee believes the race can be won by the Republican candidate, which usually results in more campaign contributions.

One of Select Group

If the committee targets the race in the 23rd District, Woolverton, an attorney specializing in workmen’s compensation, will join a select group of Republicans challenging Democratic incumbents. The committee expects to target only about six such races in the West, said Tom Hockaday, the committee’s Western regional manager.

Hockaday said the committee is seriously considering targeting the race, but no decisions will be made until after the primary June 3. Woolverton is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

“I think this is probably one of the best chances we’ve had . . . in knocking off Beilenson,” Hockaday said.

Beilenson, a five-term congressman, has never had difficulty in his previous races. But Republicans say his constituency is now more conservative because redistricting brought more of the Valley into the district. The district includes the southern portion of the Valley along with Malibu, Beverly Hills and Westwood.

Woolverton, who met with the congressional delegation on Thursday, said targeting would improve his fund-raising abilities, particularly with political action committees.

“A lot of the Washington community is taking this one seriously,” Woolverton said of the race.

Beilenson could not be reached for comment.