Harman's District occupies southern Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and West Carlson:
CA36 has been reliably Democratic since 1968 (with the exception of 1998).
An open seat in Congress, particularly in Southern California, is rare. As such, challengers have been popping out of the woodwork. Progressive Marcy Winograd, who mounted a nearly-succesful challenge to Harman last year, is likely to run, as is Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Secretary of State Debra Bowen and California Democratic Party Chair John Burton. Republican Craig Huey, who runs several Christian-oriented websites and newsletters, is considering a run, as are two other Republicans, Redondo Beach City Attorney Mike Webb and Nathan Mintz, the 2010 nominee in the adjoining 53 Congressional District.
It's beginning to look like 2003 all over again, at least in the number of potential contenders (scroll down to the sample ballot).
Given that voter Registration in CA36 heavily favors Democrats (Harman won with almost 69% of the vote in 2010), it's a pretty safe bet that a Democrat will fill the vacancy. Marcy Winograd, in her primary bid to unseat Harman, came relatively close--58.5% to 41.2% of the primary vote--giving her a solid base of support and name recognition, and therefore appears to be a leading contender.
Harman has been criticized in the past for being a pro-war "Blue Dog" (that is, a conservative Democrat), notably one that supported Bush's National Security Agency warrantless eavesdropping program, a clear violation of civil liberties. As such, a Winograd run, and win, would be a breath of much-needed fresh air in the district. California Democrats can rest assured that a Winograd run would also result in a Democratic win, and not a gain for Republicans.
The very worthy blog Down With Tyranny! has further, very pertinent, thoughts on Harman's resignation. Go read them.
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