Reelect Bowen, Harman, Horn

The South Bay and Long Beach communities that encompass the 36th and 38th congressional districts and the 53rd Assembly District share characteristics that have made for closely fought races this year. Voter registration splits fairly evenly between Democrats and Republicans, but if previous elections are a guide, voters will be fickle.

Local economic and environmental issues loomed large in past elections. Severe dislocations in the aerospace industry rippled pain and anxiety across this area. So decisions in Washington that affect federal spending on defense and research and development have a strong impact on residents. Of similar economic importance are employers that include the Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors and industries that depend on the port.

Voters also share a common pride in the quality of life in their beach-side communities. Water quality, wetlands protection and beach development are keenly watched issues.

The Times policy is to endorse selectively, on a case-by-case basis. The following three candidates deserve reelection in what could be tight races.

53rd Assembly District: Debra Bowen (D). Since she was first elected in 1992, Bowen has been an independent and moderate voice in an increasingly polarized Assembly. She is now running for her third and final term, this time against Dan Walker, a Torrance City Council member and business consultant. Walker has run a largely negative campaign against Bowen, often distorting her considerable record and articulating little positive by way of alternatives.

36th Congressional District: Jane Harman (D). Like Bowen, incumbent Jane Harman has been a thoughtful and intelligent advocate for the South Bay in Congress. She again faces challenger Susan Brooks, former mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes. Brooks’ caustic attacks on Harman’s moderate record underscore the challenger’s extreme views.

38th Congressional District: Steve Horn (R). We have disagreed with incumbent Steve Horn at times, for example over his support for some legislation that would have weakened environmental protections. But he has been an effective advocate for important regional projects like the Alameda Corridor, which will greatly improve transportation between the harbor and downtown Los Angeles. Horn’s opponent, environmental lawyer Rick Zbur, is an appealing newcomer, but Horn has served his Long Beach district well and deserves reelection.