Roybal Runs 13th Race Against Token Rivals

Rep. Edward R. Roybal, a Los Angeles Democrat who has been in Congress 24 years, faces only token Republican opposition in his quest for another term to represent the 25th District on the Eastside of Los Angeles.

Gregory L. Hardy, a field representative for Assembly Republican Leader Pat Nolan, is the Republican nominee, but he lives outside the district in Glendale, has put up no visible campaign and did not respond to requests from The Times for an interview.

District residence is not a requirement for candidates in congressional elections.

Ted Brown, 26, an insurance claims adjuster who lives in Highland Park, is running on the Libertarian ticket. He said he is running because “I’ve always wanted to be a congressman” and Roybal is “the embodiment of big government--everything I’m against.”

“He was raising taxes while I was still in diapers,” Brown said.

As a Libertarian, Brown said, he sees little role for the national government beyond providing for the common defense. He would like to dismantle many government programs.

Democratic Majority

There are only 672 registered Libertarians in the district, which includes Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Elysian Valley, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and parts of Pasadena. There are more than 115,000 registered Democrats and 34,890 Republicans in the district.

Despite the limited opposition, Henry Lozano, administrative assistant to Roybal, said the congressmen is conducting a full campaign with signs, mailers and a get-out-the-vote drive.

“You can’t take things for granted,” he said.

Roybal, 70, was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1949 and moved up to Congress in 1962. He is chairman of the House Select Committee on Aging and has played a leading role in legislation affecting immigration, the elderly and health matters.

In the June primary, Roybal received about 89% of the Democratic vote against Dorothy Andromidas, who is allied with the ultra-conservative party of Lyndon LaRouche. In November, 1984, Roybal defeated Republican businessman Roy Bloxon by garnering 72% of the vote.