ELECTIONS 24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT : GOP Candidate Expected to Fall Short in 2nd Bid to Beat Waxman

Democrat Henry A. Waxman of Los Angeles, the incumbent in the 24th Congressional District, is in another matchup Nov. 6 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 the 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 L. Berman (D-Panorama City), 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, receiving $60,332 from special interests, predominantly 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 acknowledged having “little chance of success” against the popular incumbent, Cowles said voters need a choice. He said 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 cash on hand for his campaign at the end of May. Cowles reported just $538 available 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.

The district is solidly Democratic. Of the 197,168 voters, 59% are Democrats, 28% are Republicans and 12.9% are independents or belong to minor parties. The district stretches from North Hollywood and Toluca Lake over the Hollywood Hills and into Hollywood, Los Feliz, Hancock Park and Silver Lake.