ELECTIONS 26TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT : Berman’s GOP Rival Runs on Meager Funds

Incumbent Democrat Howard L. Berman of Panorama City, who is seeking a fifth term in the 26th Congressional District, faces an under-funded campaign challenge from Republican businessman Roy Dahlson of Van Nuys.

Like his colleague Henry A. Waxman in the neighboring 24th District, Berman is regarded as a heavyweight in the House and in California politics. Before his election to Congress in 1982, he served 10 years in the state Assembly, where he lost a bitter fight for the speakership.

In the House, Berman is a member of the Budget, Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees, and is particularly influential on immigration matters.

He also has been a leader in the effort to restore Hansen Dam in Lake View Terrace to being a regional recreation area that will include a lake, and has sponsored successful legislation to partially fund the facility.

Berman had $285,040 on hand in May.

Dahlson, a wholesale florist, reported campaign funds of just $513. He said his campaign is based generally on a conservative Republican philosophy of “peace through strength.” He said he is opposed to tax increases of any kind and supportive of cutting government spending and waste.

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

Libertarian Bernard Zimring of Van Nuys also is on the ballot. He opposes any tax increases and said he considers the income tax to be unconstitutional and an invasion of privacy.

The district is heavily Democratic and, in 1988, Berman easily defeated his Republican challenger, G.C. Broderson, 70% to 29%.