Gay Focuses on Rights, AIDS in Challenge to Rep. Beilenson

Vowing to represent the interests of minorities, women and the disenfranchised, Westside community activist Val Marmillion formally opened his challenge Thursday to veteran Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson of Tarzana in the June 7 Democratic primary.

“We are losing our agenda in Washington and, with it, years of progress on . . . equal and human rights, social justice, education and environmental protection and restoration,” Marmillion said. “We lack the leadership from this district to meet the challenges of a rising fundamentalist tide in our country.”

Marmillion, 37, said he intends to emphasize his commitment to AIDS education and research, the environment and other quality-of-life issues. The West Hollywood resident is a partner in Hunt-Marmillion Associates, a Westwood public-affairs and marketing firm, and has served as a congressional aide and as director for the 1986 campaign of U.S. Sen. John B. Breaux (D-La.).

If elected, Marmillion would be among a handful of openly homosexual members of Congress.

Marmillion must first persuade voters in the moderately Democratic district, which extends from Malibu, Beverly Hills and part of West Hollywood to the West San Fernando Valley to reject the independent-minded incumbent. Beilenson, 55, has been in Congress for 12 years and has represented part of the area for 14 years as an assemblyman and state senator.

A member of the powerful House Rules Committee, he overwhelmed two poorly financed opponents in the Democratic primary in 1986 and went on to win 66% of the vote against his Republican opponent in November, despite being slightly outspent. Beilenson could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Marmillion did not mention Beilenson in his statement. In an interview later, he declined to spell out where he and Beilenson differ. He promised to do so as the campaign progresses.

On some key matters, at least, the two liberal Democrats appear to agree. Both oppose military aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. Both oppose much of the increased defense spending initiated by President Reagan. Beilenson said at a recent town meeting in West Hollywood that he is one of 25 members of Congress with a 100% voting record on AIDS funding.

However, he was later criticized by gay residents for failing to play a stronger leadership role, since he represents a district with a high number of AIDS cases.

Besides Beilenson and Marmillion, attorney Jim Salomon of Beverly Hills has filed as a Republican candidate, John Vernon of Van Nuys as a Libertarian and John Honigsfeld of Los Angeles as a Peace and Freedom Party nominee in the 23rd District.

Unlike most primary challengers, Marmillion has little or no fund-raising disadvantages. He said he has raised more than $25,000 and hopes to come up with $200,000 to $300,000.

Beilenson’s campaign committee, meanwhile, reported $25,902 on hand as of Dec. 31. Beilenson raised $51,951 in 1987, $15,000 of which was used to repay three loans he had made to the committee. Beilenson reported spending $215,076 in 1985 and 1986.

Beilenson is one of a small group of members of Congress who refuse to accept special-interest, political action committee money--which he says compromises the integrity of the political process. Marmillion will accept PAC money, an aide said.

Beilenson’s report did reflect, however, support from the Westside Jewish and entertainment communities. Among his contributors were actor Gregory Peck, and director Arthur Hiller.

Marmillion also has been active in the Westside arts, environmental and gay communities. He has been meeting with gay, arts, feminist, senior-citizen and animal-rights groups, among others, seeking support.