Antonovich to Run for a 5th Term as Supervisor

Citing the county’s unprecedented fiscal crisis and his wish to provide strong leadership, veteran Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said last week he will seek a fifth term next year instead of running for Congress.

The disclosure, made Friday during an interview with The Times, ends speculation that the conservative Republican would run for the 27th Congressional District seat held by Carlos J. Moorhead (R-Glendale).

Earlier this month, Moorhead, first elected in 1972, announced his intention to retire.

Antonovich, a resident of Glendale who will turn 56 next month, said he felt obligated to help shepherd the county through its financial problems.

In the past, Antonovich has criticized Gov. Pete Wilson’s decision to run for President instead of taking a greater role in handling the state--and Los Angeles County’s--financial problems.

But Antonovich, a former state Assembly member who has made unsuccessful runs for lieutenant governor and the U.S. Senate, did not rule out a possible run for higher office later.

“One day, I would like to be U.S. senator,” he said.