Congressional Elections Not Expected to Change the Status Quo : 26TH CONGRESSIONAL RACE

Incumbent Democrat Howard L. Berman of Panorama City is seeking a fifth term in his San Fernando Valley-Westside district.

He faces Republican businessman Roy Dahlson of Van Nuys.

Like his colleague Henry Waxman in the neighboring 24th District, Berman is regarded as a heavyweight in the House and in California politics. He is a member of the Budget, Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees, and is particularly influential on immigration matters.

Berman had $285,040 on hand in May. His major contributors include the Airline Pilots Assn., trial lawyers, bricklayers and allied craftsmen, realtors and an insurance company.

Dahlson, a wholesale florist, reported campaign funds of $513.

Dahlson says his campaign is based generally on a conservative Republican philosophy of “peace through strength.” He says he is opposed to tax increases of any kind and is supportive of cutting government spending and waste.

Berman is a leading advocate of a woman’s right to choose an abortion. Dahlson says he opposes abortion in most circumstances, but stops short of advocating a constitutional amendment to outlaw abortion.

Dahlson said he is concerned about the federal budget deficit and complains that Berman gives lip service to cutting back programs. “I don’t hear him being outspoken (on budget issues) in spite of his power and position,” Dahlson said.

Berman received $22,700 in honorariums in 1989 and took a number of trips paid for by industry.

Libertarian Bernard Zimring is also on the ballot.

26TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT The district: Hillside areas above Hollywood, Bel-Air, and Beverly Hills, plus the northeastern San Fernando Valley.

Candidate Party Howard L. Berman (inc.) Democrat Roy Dahlson Republican Bernard Zimring Libertarian

Voter Registration Registered Percent Democrats 138,675 56.8% Republicans 82,001 33.6 Independents 18,502 7.6 Minor Parties* 4,878 2.0 Total 244,056

* American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Libertarian and miscellaneous

Voting History: Berman defeated GOP challenger G.C. Broderson 70% to 29% in 1988, while Dukakis was winning 55% of the district vote in the presidential race. But Republican Reagan beat Mondale in 1984 by 54% to 45%.