Herschensohn Weighs Bid in Orange County

Bruce Herschensohn, one of last year’s Republican U.S. Senate nominees and a former conservative television commentator in Los Angeles, still has Washington politics on his mind, saying Thursday that he is exploring a bid for Congress next year.

Herschensohn said he has been encouraged by Orange County Republican leaders as well as his onetime employer, former President Richard M. Nixon, to seek a congressional seat in Newport Beach that is expected to be left vacant when Rep. Christopher Cox enters the 1994 U.S. Senate race.

The 47th District has one of the highest GOP registration levels in the state (60% Republican to 29% Democrat) and it represents a community of wealthy and politically conservative contributors.

Herschensohn, who lives in Hollywood, said he would have to move to Orange County for the race. He said his decision will depend on whether he believes he can be influential as a Republican minority member in the House.

“It’s just a question of how much I could accomplish,” Herschensohn said Thursday. “It’s a body of 435 people. A number of (supporters) are saying I could do a great deal. On the other hand, I hear about the frustrations.”

Herschensohn’s political strength in the 47th District was tested last year when he challenged rival Tom Campbell in the GOP Senate primary. Herschensohn received 51% of the vote compared to Campbell’s 26.7%.

Herschensohn won the GOP primary statewide, but lost the November election to Democratic U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.