Congressional Elections Not Expected to Change the Status Quo : 24TH CONGRESSIONAL RACE

Incumbent Democrat Henry A. Waxman of Los Angeles is in another matchup with Republican John N. Cowles, whom he easily beat in 1988.

A dedicated liberal and environmentalist, Waxman has been a leader in the battle to extend the Clean Air Act.

As chairman of the House subcommittee on health and environment, he has led a legislative attack on smoking and is pressing legislation to restrict tobacco advertising in print and on billboards.

Widely regarded as one of the most powerful and skilled legislators in Congress, Waxman also wields substantial influence locally as the leader, along with colleague Howard Berman, of what is usually called the Waxman-Berman organization.

Through its fund-raising prowess and sophisticated use of slate mailers, the organization is a major force in California Democratic politics.

Last year Waxman was a leader in honorariums, having received $60,300 from special interests, mostly health industry associations.

Waxman kept the maximum $26,850 allowed under House rules. He donated $31,286 to charity and used $2,196 to cover unreimbursed expenses.

Challenger Cowles is a vice president of Smith Pacific/Crown Albums, a manufacturing concern that is a division of Traditional Industries Inc. He contends that voters are tired of Waxman, whom he describes as a “career politician” who has lost touch with his constituents.

Although he acknowledges having “little chance of success” against the popular incumbent, Cowles says voters need a choice. He says he supports controlled government spending and a halt to income tax increases, as well as a tougher stance on drugs and crime. Cowles also said he favors tuition tax credits.

Waxman had $477,700 in cash on hand for his campaign at the end of May. Cowles reported just $538 on hand then, but he said last week that his campaign has raised about $20,000, mostly from individual donors.

Peace and Freedom candidate Maggie Phair is also on the ballot.

24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT The district: Fairfax area, Hollywood, the edge of downtown Los Angeles, Griffith Park and North Hollywood.

Candidate Party Henry A. Waxman (inc.) Democrat John N. Cowles Republican Maggie Phair Peace and Freedom

Voter Registration Registered Percent dEMOCRATES 116,391 59.0% Republicans 55,295 28.1 Independents 20,498 10.4 Minor Parties* 4,984 2.5 Total 197,168

* American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Libertarian and miscellaneous

Voting History: Solidly Democratic in every way. Waxman beat Cowles 72% to 24% in 1988, and Dukakis beat Bush in the district almost 2 to 1. Mondale was able to carry the district easily against Reagan in 1984, 55% to 44%.