And Now the Scramble Starts

The impending retirement of Rep. Augustus (Gus) F. Hawkins not only marks the end of a long political career but also will provide a major break in a frustrating political logjam in Southern California’s African American community. In a region where election to public office can mean a job for life for most politicians, the unexpected vacancy provides an opportunity for challenge and change in the local black political landscape.

State Assemblywoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) is, by many accounts, the leading candidate in the race to replace Hawkins, an octogenarian who has been an admired member of Congress for nearly three decades. Waters is the best-known candidate in the largely black and Latino district centered in Watts and including South Gate, Huntington Park and part of Downey.

By choosing to run for the Hawkins seat, Waters opened up her 48th Assembly District seat, and that’s where the real political scramble is taking place. Four Democrats have filed to replace Waters, Los Angeles City Councilman Robert Farrell among them. Farrell need not relinquish his seat to run for the Assembly. If he moves up, however, his council seat--the Eighth District, which represents the predominantly black neighborhoods that stretch south from USC--would be up for grabs. And would-be successors to Farrell are already doing their political homework because a missed opportunity may translate into a decade of waiting for another chance.

But the significance of the changes that could take place on the South Side transcend the ambition of a few political leaders. The rare vacancies--and the prospect of tightly contested races to fill them--also provide an opportunity for fresh debate about the deteriorating social conditions--about drugs, gangs, poverty and not enough housing, education, health care and economic growth--and what can be done to change things.

Gus Hawkins has had a firm grip on his seat since 1962. When he steps down, he will leave a praiseworthy legacy of more jobs, better education and greater equal opportunity. His early decision not to run again gives black leaders--veterans and newcomers--a chance to recharge the political debate in their community because, finally, there is something to recharge for.