The Daily Breeze's Friday May 4th editorial published a glowing endorsement
of incumbent Congresswoman Janice Hahn for the newly-crafted 44th Congressional
district.
She has served in Congress a grand total of eight months, which is an asset
compared to her three-term challenger Laura Richardson. Beset by ethical lapses
and allegations of mishandling funds, Ms. Richardson has failed to distinguish
herself as a serious contender to remain in office.
The Redistricting Commission did its job, forcing incumbents to fight for
their spot in Congress, while pushing out long-serving veterans. Unfortunately
for the state of California, a number of veterans with influential seniority
have declined to run, while a growing number of Democratic lawmakers threaten
to prolong the agony and deepen the insolvency of the state.
I was not aware of Congresswoman's Hahn reputation for crossing the aisle on
many issues, including entering the House Chamber through the Republican
gangway. If Hahn has created coalitions that better serve our ports and
airways, then at least she has commanded enough respect to remain in office, at
least in comparison to her other Democratic colleagues.
I would prefer to see more Republican contenders with a fighting chance in
our state, yet at least every voter can have a say in both the primary and the
general elections in state offices. With a choice between tepid and terrible,
Congresswoman Hahn is the better choice.