‘96 Campaign Gets Off to an Early Start : Politics: An earlier primary and an abundance of open seats because of term limits are expected to create crowded election slates.

A few candidates haven’t even closed up their 1994 headquarters, but the 1996 political campaigns already have started in the Southeast area, fueled in part by an early primary.

Some candidates already have declared their intent to seek office, given speeches, even sought endorsements from political leaders, all in anticipation of a crowded slate of contenders in several races.

Lawmakers in Sacramento and Washington “haven’t even had time for the dust to settle,” said Tom Martin, an aide to state Sen. Robert G. Beverly (R-Long Beach), who will not be able to run again because of term limits. “But it’s never too early.”

One reason for the early jockeying is the decision by state lawmakers to move the primary forward from June to March, 1996, a step designed to give California more influence in the selection of the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees. State and local candidates must compete with White House contenders for a limited pool of campaign dollars, so analysts say they have to start soliciting donations early.

“Anybody who is a serious contender has to be out raising money by March,” said Republican consultant Tom Shortridge.

Peter Mathews, a Cypress College professor who failed to unseat Rep. Steve Horn (R-Long Beach) in November, is among those planning to seek office in 1996. Mathews announced on election night that he intends to challenge Horn in two years.

And Rancho Palos Verdes Councilwoman Susan Brooks--who has not yet conceded the close race she ran this year against Rep. Jane Harman (D-Rolling Hills)----says she plans to run again for the congressional seat in two years. Brooks could face a few challengers for the Republican nomination, including Rancho Palos Verdes psychiatrist Irwin Savodnik and Los Angeles developer John Morris, both of whom are contemplating bids.

“Many people thought Jane Harman was invincible,” said Morris, one of the founders of Ross stores. “They saw how well Susan did and said ‘Gee, (Harman) can be knocked off.’ ” Several other races in the area also appear to be attracting plenty of interest, including the contest to replace retiring Los Angeles County Supervisor Deane Dana.

Among those in the running are Long Beach City Councilman Douglas S. Drummond and Dana’s chief deputy, Don Knabe, whom the supervisor is backing. Former Rolling Hills Councilwoman Gordana Swanson said she is considering a bid.

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Financing may be the key in this race. According to political analysts, a candidate might have to start with a minimum of $250,000. One reason is the size of the district, which sprawls from Venice to Long Beach and extends inland to Diamond Bar.

“It’s twice the size of a state Senate seat,” said Torrance Councilman George Nakano, who is considering running for the post. He ran unsuccessfully in June against incumbent Ralph C. Dills in the Democratic primary in the 28th state Senate District, which includes Long Beach and Compton.

Another large field is expected for Beverly’s state Senate seat in the 27th District, which includes Downey, Bellflower, Cerritos, Lakewood, Artesia and parts of Long Beach. Among those who already have announced plans to run are Long Beach businessman Frank Colonna, a Republican who placed third in the race for Long Beach mayor earlier this year, and Brian Finander, a Democrat from Long Beach who nearly beat Beverly in 1992.

Political observers also mention Bob Epple and Betty Karnette, two former Assembly Democrats who lost their seats this year. The Republicans who beat them, Phil Hawkins and Steven T. Kuykendall, also have been mentioned as possible candidates.

“Who better to fight for that seat than an incumbent who already has a fund-raising ability?” said Republican consultant Shortridge.

Other Republican prospects mentioned by political observers include former Long Beach Council members Ray Grabinski and Jan C. Hall, and former Bellflower Councilman Bob Stone.

“There will probably be at least a dozen candidates for this seat,” said Martin, the Beverly aide.

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Term limits also will open up two other Southeast-area seats in 1996. Among those who must step down are Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr. (D-Paramount), whose 52nd District covers parts of Compton, Lynwood and Gardena, and Assemblyman Curtis R. Tucker Jr., whose 51st District includes Inglewood.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity, particularly for those in local politics,” said Inglewood Councilman Garland Hardeman, who is interested in running for the 51st Assembly District seat. Inglewood Mayor Edward Vincent also is interested in the Assembly seat.

According to political consultants, a possible candidate for Murray’s seat is his daughter, Melinda, a deputy district attorney in Torrance. Murray’s son Kevin was elected to a Culver City-area Assembly seat this year.

Although term limits create opportunities for newcomers, they could also end up pitting outgoing officeholders against one another for new jobs.

Assemblyman Murray and Curtis Tucker are mentioned as possible candidates for the seat now held by Rep. Walter R. Tucker III (D-Compton), who faces charges that he accepted bribes while mayor of Compton. A conviction could force a special election, even earlier than the March, 1996, primary.

Even state Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblywoman Juanita M. McDonald (D-Carson), whose terms don’t expire until 1998, could run for the seat, according to political observers.

Curtis Tucker, meanwhile, also has been mentioned as a possible challenger to state Sen. Teresa P. Hughes (D-Inglewood), whose term expires in 2000.

With term limits, “As soon as you are elected to office, you have to stop and say, ‘What do I do next?’ ” said Democratic political consultant Joe Cerrell. “. . . What you have is musical chairs at its worst.”

For all the talk in political circles, however, don’t expect candidates to start knocking on doors at the start of 1995. They’ll be working behind the scenes, looking for big donors and setting up staffs.

“The real serious candidates are looking at the races now,” said Martin of Beverly’s office. “But (voters) aren’t even focused on 1996. That makes it hard to gain support.”