Politics & Government

Sandra Fluke Ditches Congress Bid for State Senate Race

The outspoken lawyer says she wants to make a difference locally.

Attorney and women's rights advocate Sandra Fluke, who had been considering a bid to replace retiring Rep. Henry Waxman, announced today she will instead seek the 26th District state Senate seat.

“I believe that the families and communities of this district – from West Hollywood to West L.A. and from Santa Monica to Torrance and beyond -- deserve to have a fresh perspective from a new generation of progressive leadership in Sacramento, and I am eager to get to work fighting for the causes that matter most to our future as a community, state and nation,” Fluke said.

Fluke gained fame when she told Congress in 2012 that birth control should be covered under the Affordable Care Act -- and in response was called a "slut"' by radio host Rush Limbaugh. She had filed paperwork seeking the California Democratic Party's endorsement for Waxman's seat, but had not officially thrown her hat into the ring.

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By entering the state Senate race, she will look to replace Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, who is running for Waxman's post.

Rep. Janice Hahn, D-San Pedro, was among those throwing her support behind Fluke's Senate bid.

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“Although I would have loved to have her as a colleague in Congress, the people of the 26th Senate District will be lucky to have Sandra fighting for them.” Hahn said.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, and former Assemblywoman Betsy Butler are among those believed to be considering a run for the state Senate seat.

--City News Service


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