Fiedler Seeking Job on KABC-TV as a Commentator

Rep. Bobbi Fiedler, who gave up her west San Fernando Valley-southern Ventura County congressional seat to run for the U. S. Senate, is negotiating with KABC-TV Channel 7 to become a political commentator for the Los Angeles station after her term expires Jan. 3.

The three-term Chatsworth Republican said in a recent interview that she has no plans to run for political office again but would not rule out the possibility. But she has been mentioned by political pundits as a possible candidate for mayor of Los Angeles in 1989, and a job as a TV commentator would keep her in front of the public.

If she is hired by KABC-TV, Fiedler would join Bruce Herschensohn, a conservative commentator who also ran in the June GOP Senate primary. Fiedler and Herschensohn lost the GOP nomination to Rep. Ed Zschau, who was defeated in the November election by incumbent Democrat Alan Cranston.

Under a format being discussed, Fiedler would debate another commentator, Bill Press, according to Paul Clarke, Fiedler’s fiance and chief of staff. Fiedler made about a dozen appearances as a commentator on KABC-TV after losing the Senate nomination, Clarke said. He declined to give other details of the negotiations, including what Fiedler might be paid.

KABC-TV officials could not be reached for comment.

Fiedler, 49, said she also is seeking appointment to the boards of a number of corporations, which she declined to identify. She also is considering writing books about the anti-busing movement that launched her political career and about “what it’s like to be a woman in Congress,” she said.

Fiedler said she is not sorry she gave up her seat in an unsuccessful Senate race.

“In the long run, had I not run when I wanted to, I would have regretted that,” she said. She finished fourth in a field of 13 candidates with 7.2% of the vote.

Clarke said he and Fiedler plan to wed next spring.

Elton Gallegly, the mayor of Simi Valley, was elected in November to succeed Fiedler in Congress.