SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sunday, June 24, 2001
    • CALIFORNIA

    Population (1994): 31,431,000 (up 5.6% from 1990), 12% of U.S. total

    Voting-age population: 23,225,000; 1994 turnout, 34%

    Median age: 31.5 years

    Median household income: $35,331 ($3,067 above U.S. median)

    Unemployment: 7.6% (2.0% above U.S average, March 1996)

    Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 46% Bush (R): 33% Perot (I): 21%

    Congressional delegation: 29 Democrats, 25 Republicans

    California is a monster state, in geography, population--and political influence. If it were a country, it would be the seventh largest in the world. One in eight U.S. residents, and one in eight members of Congress, is a Californian. Though it may have a reputation for being liberal and laid-back, the state--with a Republican governor--remains a battleground on issues from abortion to welfare.

    BRAD SHERMAN (D) District 24 (Northwest Los Angeles and Ventura County suburbs)

    BORN: Oct. 24, 1954, Los Angeles EDUCATION: UCLA, B.A., 1974; Harvard U, J.D., 1979 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Accountant, lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: California State Board of Equalization, 1990- ADDRESS: 14008 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423. Tel.: 818-906-0333

    With Sherman plunking down more than a quarter of a million dollars of his own money before August, this could be one of the more expensive Houses races in the country. Besides money, Sherman has tradition on his side--the district hasn't sent a Republican to the House since 1944--as well as the endorsement of retiring incumbent Anthony Beilenson.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I will be a full-throated voice of opposition to the Contract with America."

    RICH SYBERT (R) District 24

    BORN: March 21, 1952, Whittier EDUCATION: U of California, Berkeley, A.B., 1973; Harvard U, J.D., 1977; UCLA, M.B.A., 1989 FAMILY: Wife, Greta Lautenschleiger; one child RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: Navy Reserve, 1986-95 OCCUPATION: Business executive POLITICAL CAREER: California state director of planning and research, 1991-93; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8572, Calabasas 91372. Tel.: 818-704-8396

    Sybert almost defeated 10-term Anthony Beilenson in 1994. He talks tough on crime--favoring the death penalty and abolition of parole--and immigration. Like his opponent, however, Sybert is pro-choice, pro-environment and in favor of his district's seceding from Los Angeles.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare NR Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Ready for a real change in Congress? So am I!"

    HOWARD BERMAN (D) District 26 (San Fernando Valley)

    BORN: April 15, 1941, Los Angeles Education: UCLA, B.A., 1962, LL.B., 1965 FAMILY: Wife, Janis; one child, one stepchild RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly, 1973-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: 8665 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 220, Beverly Hills 90211. Tel.: 310-652-7831

    A seven-term incumbent in a comfortably Democratic district, Berman uses his well-known alliance with fellow Congressman Henry Waxman to help get Democrats elected and keep his name afloat. Now that Republicans control Congress, he is less active on the House International Relations and Judiciary committees, focusing more on local issues--protecting Valley jobs and beefing up the police force--and may even run for Mayor of L.A. in 1997.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "With all my skill and energy, I will work to get more cops on the street, to deal with illegal immigrants and to enhance America's economic and political leadership worldwide."

    BILL GLASS (R) District 26

    BORN: Jan. 13, 1926, Oklahoma City, Okla. EDUCATION: Notre Dame U, B.N.S., 1945; U of Oklahoma, B.S., 1948; M.I.T., M.S., 1950; Harvard U, M.B.A., 1959 FAMILY: Wife, Nancy; two children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Navy, 1944-46 OCCUPATION: Certified public accountant POLITICAL CAREER: Sought G.O.P. nomination for U.S. House, 1992, 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5267, Sherman Oaks 91413. Tel.: 818-981-3238

    With five different freeways and a slew of empty warehouses (General Motors left in 1992 and took 3,500 jobs), the east San Fernando Valley is ripe for business, says Glass. He believes that the lack of jobs and public safety are problems Howard Berman has not addressed in 14 years on Capitol Hill.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm running because I do not believe that the Congressman represents the district. It took an earthquake for him to get to know these people, and that is sad."

    DOUG KAHN (D) District 27 (Northeastern Los Angeles County; Pasadena; Burbank)

    BORN: Oct. 8, 1952, Philadelphia EDUCATION: U of Miami, 1970-72; Tufts U, 1974-75 FAMILY: Wife, Margaret Carter; two children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Typesetting-company owner POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for Seattle City Council, 1981; Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1992, 1994 ADDRESS: 260 South Los Robles Avenue, Suite 109, Pasadena 91101. Tel.: 818-584-1996

    In his third run for what is now an open seat, this deep-pocketed candidate (an heir to the Annenberg fortune, he put $400,000 into his primary contest) emphasizes his devotion to public service. A moderate, he wants to protect tax credits for small businesses and loans for needy college-bound kids, as well as preserve Medicare and Social Security benefits.

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I support welfare reform that promotes work but does not harm children."

    JAMES ROGAN (R) District 27

    BORN: Aug. 21, 1957, San Francisco EDUCATION: U of California, Berkeley, B.A. 1979; UCLA, J.D., 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Christina Apffel; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; municipal-court judge, deputy D.A. POLITICAL CAREER: Glendale Municipal Court judge, 1990-94; California Assembly, 1994- ADDRESS: 3525 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale 91208. Tel.: 818-249-0592

    The G.O.P. has high hopes for Rogan, the youngest judge in the state when he was appointed to a municipal-court position in 1990, and the "Best Legislator" in the state Assembly in 1995 according to California Journal. A born-again Christian with firm conservative beliefs--an advantage in this traditionally Republican district--Rogan also has earned a reputation as a consensus builder.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "When...principles clash, we clash. But it should always be in the spirit of political warfare and not personal enmity."

    DAVID DREIER (R) District 28 (Northeastern Los Angeles suburbs)

    BORN: July 5, 1952, Kansas City, Mo. EDUCATION: Claremont McKenna College, B.A., 1975; Claremont Graduate School, M.A., 1976 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Property manager; real estate developer political career: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1978; U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1110, Covina 91722. Tel.: 818-966-4326

    In this seat since 1980, Dreier has been a guiding but moderating voice in the Republican revolution. He fought to streamline Congress as co-vice chairman of the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress and has burnished his reputation as a red-tape hawk by overhauling the House committee system for Newt Gingrich--something that had not been done in 50 years.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "If we tackled the task of lawmaking with an eye to what the Senate will pass, we wouldn't do much. I mean, if you're going to catch hell, you might as well do what's right."

    DAVID LEVERING (D) District 28

    BORN: Aug. 4, 1928, Redlands EDUCATION: U of Redlands, B.A., 1950; Claremont Graduate School, M.A., 1959; California State Polytechnic U at Pomona, Ph.D., 1974 FAMILY: Wife, Lillian; four children RELIGION: Quaker MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Professor POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 255, Claremont 91711. Tel.: 818-915-0490

    Levering has no illusions about his chances against David Dreier, an eight-term incumbent with a multimillion-dollar war chest. But the retired history professor believes that Dreier's reputation as a moderate is overblown, and hopes Dreier's votes to cut social programs like food stamps and school lunches will mark him as a "Team Gingrich" member who should not be playing in Washington.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "From all we can tell, the Republican vision of 'opportunity' is not unlike that satirized by Victor Hugo in the 19th century--the notion that all Parisians, whether rich or poor, were equal in having the right to decide whether they wished to live under the bridges along the Seine."

    PAUL STEPANEK (R) District 29 (West Los Angeles County; Santa Monica; West Hollywood)

    BORN: Nov. 18, 1960, LaPorte, Ind. EDUCATION: Valparaiso U, B.S. 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Margaret Carroll RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public-relations-firm owner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 25085, Los Angeles 90025. Tel.: 213-243-0207 Despite his underdog status, Stepanek is already prepared for accession to Congress--his Website contains a list of current legislation he would co-sponsor, as well as his agenda for the opening weeks of his first term (and he refuses to respond to the TIME/CQ questionnaire because "these are old issues"). His plan includes pledges to limit the size of the Federal Government, repeal the 1992 tax increase, reduce the deficit and promote the privatization of many government services.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I encourage the private and public sectors to look at creative solutions to support our California economy."

    HENRY WAXMAN (D) District 29

    BORN: Sept. 12, 1939, Los Angeles EDUCATION: UCLA, B.A., 1961, J.D., 1964 FAMILY: Wife, Janet Kessler; one child, one stepchild RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly, 1969-75; U.S. House, 1975- ADDRESS: 8665 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 220, Beverly Hills 90211. Tel.: 310-652-7831

    A Congressman as solidly liberal as his district, 21-year incumbent Waxman is a Los Angeles institution. He has led the Democratic charge to strengthen environmental regulations and create a national health-care system. His vocal attacks on tobacco earned him a trip to court, thanks to a suit by cigarette giant Brown & Williamson. But this popular and tough Democratic strategist is an odds-on favorite to win again.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The most powerful special interest in this country is the tobacco industry. They have invariably gotten their way in the Congress of the United States."

    XAVIER BECERRA (D) District 30 (Central, East and Southeast Los Angeles)

    BORN: Jan. 26, 1958, Sacramento EDUCATION: Stanford U., A.B., 1980, J.D., 1984 FAMILY: Wife, Carolina Reyes; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly, 1990-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 411744, Los Angeles 90041. Tel.: 213-258-8062

    One of the few liberals left on the Hill, Becerra hit the ground running as a Congressman. He was appointed to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims and has pushed for a shift in federal funding for poor children that could move $59 million into his mostly Latino South Central district.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NR Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "On behalf of my parents, who were immigrants, on behalf of the over 1 million...legal immigrants who served this country in time of war and the two Medal of Honor winners [who were] legal immigrants...I say they do not come here to take, they come to give."

    PATRICIA PARKER (R) District 30

    BORN: April 8, 1949, Los Angeles EDUCATION: UCLA; West Coast U; Pasadena Community College FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Legal secretary; child-support investigator POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 29285, Los Angeles 90029. Tel.: 818-583-9335

    Toeing the Republican Party line in a largely Democratic and Latino district, Parker will have a tough fight against a charismatic incumbent. But Parker believes adamantly that the future of America is tied to the principle of limiting Federal Government and putting Washington on a "tax diet." This, she says, was the vision the Founding Fathers embodied in the Constitution.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NR Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It is time to return to the concept that government derives its power and legitimacy from the governed, and to overcome the liberal notion that the government is the source of all rights and privileges."

    JOHN FLORES (R) District 31 (East Los Angeles County; El Monte; Alhambra; Azusa)

    BORN: June 8, 1954, Los Angeles EDUCATION: East Los Angeles College, A.A., 1975 FAMILY: Divorced; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Human-resources administrator; transportation superintendent POLITICAL CAREER: G.O.P. nominee for U.S. House, 1994; California Republican Party Central Committee, 1995- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 7381, Alhambra 91802. Tel.: 818-289-5108

    In 1994 G.O.P. challenger Flores won 41% of the vote in a district that is only 26% Republican. Running against the same Democrat this year, the former teamster hopes his crossover muscle is more toned as he breaks the party mold with his support of labor and opposition to Republican legislation that would permit worker-management teams to negotiate outside union contracts.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "While no one should be discriminated against, neither should business be shackled with regulations that cost them money."

    MATTHEW MARTINEZ (D) District 31

    BORN: Feb. 14, 1929, Walsenburg, Colo. EDUCATION: Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, 1959 FAMILY: Wife, Elvira Yorba; five children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Marines, 1947-50 OCCUPATION: Upholstery-company owner POLITICAL CAREER: Monterey Park mayor, 1974-75; California Assembly, 1981-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 732, Alhambra 91802. Tel.: 818-281-2694

    A man with a low profile on Capitol Hill, the seven-term Martinez remains the favorite in this Democratic district--despite a House Commerce Committee investigation into a government contract Martinez helped a minority construction company win. If his mostly Democratic constituents believe he was trying to help them, it's the kind of problem that might not hurt.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[I]n a time when we are trying to promote independence and self-sufficiency rather than reliance on the public dole, raising the minimum wage makes sense."

    LARRY ARDITO (R) District 32 (West Los Angeles; Culver City)

    BORN: Dec. 23, 1953, Newport, R.I. EDUCATION: Grahm Junior College, A.A., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Conchita RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Institutional foodservice sales POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5503, Culver City 90231. Tel.: 310-839-2125

    Ardito is challenging a long-term incumbent, which is exactly the point of his campaign: he calls Julian Dixon a "dinosaur who doesn't know he's extinct." Ardito would have voted for the Defense of Marriage Act and term limits; he would also vote for a law prohibiting desecration of the American flag. He opposes abortion except when the woman's life is in danger and advocates the death penalty. But in a district with a mere 13% Republican registration Ardito may be preaching to the unconvertible.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[Running for Congress] is something in life that you really think you ought to do...to give something back to [your country] and show that you are willing to serve."

    JULIAN DIXON (D) District 32

    BORN: Aug. 8, 1934, Washington EDUCATION: California State U, Los Angeles, B.S., 1962; SOUTHWESTERN U, LL.B., 1967 FAMILY: Wife, Betty; one child RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: Army, 1957-60 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly, 1973-78; U.S. House, 1978- ADDRESS: 1581 Roxbury Drive, Los Angeles 90035. Tel.: 213-678-5424

    Dixon has earned a reputation as a solid, fair-minded legislator with an extremely liberal voting record--a popular history in this Democratic district. But he is best known for his many years of work on the District of Columbia subcommittee, from which he has tried (with limited success) to steer the capital toward workable home rule.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Yes, we have a problem with illegal immigration. But punishing children not legally in this country through no fault of their own, while placing on our public-education system the burden of defining who is and is not legal, is a misguided attempt at solving that problem."

    JOHN LEONARD (R) District 33 (East Central Los Angeles)

    BORN: April 27, 1965, Bell Gardens EDUCATION: Cerritos Community College, 1988-91; U of Phoenix, 1991-94 FAMILY: Wife, Tiffany; one child RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: Air Force, 1983-84 OCCUPATION: Accountant; manufacturing-company planner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2521, Bell Gardens 90202. Tel.: 310-927-5616

    John Leonard's prescription for the 33rd seems a bitter pill, but he argues that incumbent Lucille Roybal-Allard's success in bringing federal money to the district and her support of affirmative action only deepens dependence on government. The conservative Leonard also sees her opposition to the Republican Medicare plan and balanced-budget resolution as uninformed.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "When I go to Washington, I will vote for measures such as Dick Armey's tax plan, which will let a family of four earn over $35,000 without paying any federal income tax."

    LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD (D) District 33

    BORN: June 12, 1941, Los Angeles EDUCATION: California State U, Los Angeles, B.A., 1965 FAMILY: Husband, Edward Allard; two children, two stepchildren RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Nonprofit-association executive POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly 1987-93; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box, 2187, Bell Gardens 90201. Tel.: 818-303-2628

    Roybal-Allard continues a tradition of public service begun by her father Edward Roybal, who represented East L.A. in Congress for 30 years. She touts her record of community activism--including leading a successful effort to stop the building of a toxic-waste incinerator and work with a local women's charity--though traditional low voter turnout in the 33rd indicates the difficulty of turning her populist appeal into meaningful electoral enthusiasm.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm hoping...[Republicans] will back off once they understand what a devastating impact they're going to have on people's lives."

    DAVID NUNEZ (R) District 34 (East Los Angeles County suburbs; West Covina)

    BORN: Aug. 27, 1959, Albuquerque, N.M. EDUCATION: California State U at Long Beach, B.A., 1985. FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Automobile-parts-company manager POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4765, Whittier 90605. Tel.: 310-698-3458

    Nunez is taking on a family mission in trying to unseat Esteban Torres: his father opposed Torres in 1994. The younger Nunez wants to reform taxes, saying that both spouses in hard-working, family-oriented families should not have to work unnecessarily. Nunez is also wary of government regulation: he wants greater local control in the family, classroom and business.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[I]nterest in the working class of America has been supplanted by an even greater interest in the nonproductive members of our society. Welfare spending and tax increases continue to plague working families rather than relieve the ever mounting burden upon them."

    ESTEBAN TORRES (D) District 34

    BORN: Jan. 27, 1930, Miami, Ariz. EDUCATION: East Los Angeles Community College, 1959-63; California State U, Los Angeles, 1963-64; U of Maryland, 1965; American U, 1966 FAMILY: Wife, Arcy; five children RELIGION: NR MILITARY: Army 1949-53 OCCUPATION: International trade executive; auto worker; labor official POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: 908 East Lucille Avenue, West Covina 91790. Tel.: 818-917-0910

    A former gang member, the popular Torres is emblematic of his hardworking immigrant constituents. He protected the district's B-2 plant and sponsored a bill to fight gang violence. His support of NAFTA disappointed United Auto Worker allies, but Torres was able to extract from the White House a $225 million commitment to job retraining.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "My friends in the North American labor movement so far have failed to grasp the enormous opportunity and potential in NAFTA for spreading the vision and reality of industrial democracy throughout this hemisphere."

    ERIC CARLSON (R) District 35 (South Central Los Angeles)

    BORN: April 27, 1965, Yuma, Ariz. EDUCATION: California State U at Long Beach, B.A., 1987 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Muslim MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Publication-subscription-agency executive POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 4603 Halison Street, Torrance 90503. Tel.: 310-370-3397

    Blind, Native American and Muslim, Carlson would be one of the few members of Congress to express genuine support for the political goals of the p.l.o. And though G.O.P. cliches, not to mention a formidable opponent, make his candidacy seem improbable, he believes the economically ravaged 35th can be revived with a local revolution of churches, schools, community groups and the Nation of Islam working together.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The [Republican] party has ignored...the people in the South-Central area for far too long, and I don't blame them for going to the Democrats--they're being held back in my opinion by the Democrats, but they're not being ignored."

    MAXINE WATERS (D) District 35

    BORN: Aug. 15, 1938, St. Louis, Mo. EDUCATION: California State U, Los Angeles, B.A., 1970 FAMILY: Husband, Sidney Williams; two children RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Head Start official POLITICAL CAREER: California Assembly, 1977-91; U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: 4032 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite. 302, Los Angeles 90010. Tel.: 213-388-1825

    Waters is a veteran legislator and an unapologetic liberal. Enraged by recent allegations that the CIA might have financed a crack cocaine ring in her district--where poverty and black-on-black gang violence are common--she immediately called for official investigations. Though the congressional majority may regard her fervor with disdain, Waters has overwhelming support at home, where she has never won less than 75% of the vote.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The harder we try, the more crack babies are being born...[The CIA] is just as guilty as if it delivered the kilos themselves."

    SUSAN BROOKS (R) District 36 (West Los Angeles County; Manhattan Beach; Torrance)

    BORN: March 8, 1950, New York City EDUCATION: State U of New York at Buffalo, B.S. 1972; Columbia U, M.A. 1973; George Mason U, 1981 FAMILY: Husband, James; two children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, 1992-93; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 727 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates 90274. Tel.: 310-377-4289

    Declared the winner in 1994, Brooks went to Washington--was even picked by Newt Gingrich as a G.O.P. transition leader--only to learn she'd lost by 812 absentee votes. She has been campaigning ever since, hoping, this time, it's a one-way flight to Congress.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [On welfare reform] It will take courage and commitment to end this bureaucratic nightmare that rewards idleness and punishes productivity."

    JANE HARMAN (D) District 36

    BORN: June 28, 1945, New York City EDUCATION: Smith College, B.A., 1966; Harvard U, J.D., 1969 FAMILY: Husband, Sidney; four children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; White House aide; congressional aide POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 1231 Cabrillo Avenue, Suite 105, Torrance 90501. Tel.: 310-224-5000

    Harman's victories have been close--chillingly so in 1994--but even her opponents agree that in guarding the district's main economic interests, defense and high-tech industries, "No one," as an aide to a G.O.P. Congressman said, "is more aggressive and tenacious, and that's putting it nicely." Also helpful are her deep pockets--Harman spent $2.3 million in 1992, fourth highest for a U.S. congressional race, and $1.3 million in 1994.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I think there is an overwhelming constituency for a stronger defense...I see the shortfall in weapons procurement where I live. "

    JUANITA MILLENDER-MCDONALD (D) District 37 (Southern Los Angeles County; Compton; Carson)

    BORN: Sept. 7, 1938, Birmingham, Ala. EDUCATIOn: U of Redlands, B.S.; California State U, Los Angeles, M.A.; U of Southern California FAMILY: Husband, James McDonald Jr.; five children. RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Carson City Council, 1990-92; California Assembly, 1992-96; U.S. House, 1996- ADDRESS: 21839 South Avalon Boulevard, Suite 184, Carson 90745. Tel.: 213-964-3851

    Millender-McDonald won a March special election when Representative Walter Tucker resigned because of extortion and bribery convictions. In Congress, she has begun to solidify her relationship with this heavily Democratic district by working for disaster-relief funds, help for the elderly and poor, and billion-dollar transportation projects.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR* (NO) Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [On her March victory] "Without the women, I wouldn't have been able to do it--period. They put their money where their mouth is."

    MICHAEL VOETEE (R) District 37

    BORN: Sept. 24, 1956, Long Beach EDUCATION: Long Beach City College, A.A., 1984, A.S. 1985 FAMILY: Wife, Donna; four children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: Air Force, 1974-77 OCCUPATION: General contractor POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 2601 E. 28th Street, Suite 302, Long Beach 90806. Tel.: 310-989-2380

    A strict conservative who says he's nonpartisan, Voetee believes that too many federal programs are encroachments on individual liberty. He advocates an across-the-board reduction in the Federal Government, from taxation to regulation, education to commerce, and also supports a national sales tax, which, he argues, would limit government spending to legitimate levels.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I believe strongly in the U.S. Constitution, based on the principles of the Declaration of Independence--as opposed to the United Nations. That needs little or no 'interpretation' providing you understand the English language in which it is written."

    STEVE HORN (R) District 38 (Long Beach; Downey; Lakewood)

    BORN: May 31, 1931, San Juan Bautista EDUCATION: Stanford U, A.B., 1953; Harvard U, M.P.A., 1955; Stanford U, Ph.D., 1958 FAMILY: Wife, Nini Moore; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: Army Reserve, 1954-62 OCCUPATION: Professor POLITICAL CAREER: Vice chairman, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1969-82; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 4142 Elm Avenue, No. 409, Long Beach 90807. Tel.: 310-492-9389

    With roots in the G.O.P.'s progressive wing, Horn supports abortion rights and an assault-weapons ban. But he also campaigned for the Contract with America and knows how to bring home the political bacon, including funds for aircraft plants and shipyards in his district.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "If you are going to save the environment, you have got to follow the Fifth Amendment...You cannot take people's property and say, 'Well, sorry, you lived there for five generations and you are going to give it up to the State for no cost.'"

    RICK ZBUR (D) District 38

    BORN: March 2, 1957, Albuquerque, N.M. EDUCATION: Yale U, B.A., 1979; Harvard U, J.D. 1983 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 3476 East Spring Street, Long Beach 90806. Tel.: 310-426-9898

    Zbur, the first openly gay non-incumbent to win a congressional primary, matches Steve Horn's social liberalism--Zbur is an environmental lawyer--and independence--he pledges not to vote for tax increases. He also offers a clear alternative to some Republican shibboleths about government: he takes strong exception to G.O.P. attempts to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency. Endorsed by women's groups and teacher and labor unions, Zbur is a proficient fund raiser who clearly appeals to traditional Democrats.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We can have both a clean environment and a strong economy. I will fight Republican efforts to cripple the epa and weaken environmental standards."

    R.O. DAVIS (D) District 39 (Parts of Orange and Los Angeles counties--Fullerton)

    BORN: June 11, 1936, Arpaler, Okla. EDUCATION: Jordan High School, 1955 FAMILY: Divorced; four children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: Navy, 1956-57 OCCUPATION: Construction-company owner POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Democratic nomination for California Senate, 1987; Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 7632 Crescent Street, No. 2, Buena Park 90620. Tel.: 714-821 9148

    In his second challenge against pugnacious G.O.P. incumbent Ed Royce, Davis is still a keen contrast to the White House foe and self-described "Pork Buster" incumbent, despite a crushing 66%-to-29% defeat in 1994. Davis remains a firm believer in the power of good government and an adamant opponent of supply-side economics.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "To stabilize the family, a job must provide more than poverty wages. Every citizen must have a stake in the good life...We must stand up and demand...health care for all people, not just the affluent."

    ED ROYCE (R) District 39

    BORN: Oct. 12, 1951, Los Angeles EDUCATION: California State U, Fullerton, B.A., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Marie Porter RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Tax manager POLITICAL CAREER: California Senate, 1983-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6765, Fullerton 92634. Tel.: 714-992-1143

    A vigorous opponent of the Clinton Administration, Royce nevertheless celebrated the President's signing of the line-item veto as "another arrow in the quiver" in the fight against wasteful Washington spending. That kind of stand is why Royce is co-chairman of the Congressional Pork Busters Coalition, but he has taken fierce G.O.P. stands for victims' rights and against gun control, illegal immigration and taxation.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We had a fresh mandate from the voters and a determination to ferret out wasteful spending...We've made it very difficult to allocate pork in the process."

    JAY KIM (R) District 41 (Parts of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties)

    BORN: March 27, 1939, Seoul, South Korea EDUCATION: U of Southern California, B.S., 1967, M.S., 1977; California State U, Los Angeles, M.P.A., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, June; three children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: South Korean army, 1959-61 OCCUPATION: Civil engineer POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Diamond Bar, 1991-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 1126 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 165, Upland 91786. Tel.: 909-931-2419

    Kim, a veteran of the South Korean army, moved to California at age 22 and at age 53 became the first Korean American in Congress. In the House, he is a G.O.P. loyalist. And if he survives a campaign-contribution scandal--in which he denies involvement--Kim is favored to win a third term.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "In a free-enterprise system, hard work pays off. I've always believed that. If you don't work hard, too bad, you're going to fall behind."

    RICHARD WALDRON (D) District 41

    BORN: July 28, 1938, Callaway, Neb. EDUCATION: Nebraska State College, B.A., 1960; U of Nebraska, J.D., 1966 FAMILY: Wife, Terry RELIGION: NR MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 6160 E. Morningview Drive, Anaheim 92807. Tel.: 714-921-1143

    If elected, Waldron says he will focus on keeping jobs in the U.S. The moderate Democrat refuses to label himself protectionist, but praises Pat Buchanan's view that U.S. business needs to keep its work force at home. And he proposes tax credits for U.S. automakers who do so.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NR Guns YES Gays NR Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Building dams, bridges, highways and high-speed rail systems throughout the U.S. will generate long-term and high-paying jobs to resurrect the middle class, create a much-needed transportation system, reduce unemployment, reduce reliance on foreign oil and put our economy in high gear."

    GEORGE BROWN (D) District 42 (San Bernardino County--San Bernardino)

    BORN: March 6, 1920, Holtville EDUCATION: UCLA, B.A., 1946 FAMILY: Wife, Marta; two children, five stepchildren RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Army, 1942-46 OCCUPATION: Management consultant; physicist POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Monterey Park, 1955-58; California Assembly, 1959-62; U.S. House, 1962-; sought Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, 1970 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1867, Colton 92324. Tel.: 909-824-1880

    An old-style dove and partisan Democrat, Brown is the longest serving Californian in Congress. Once chairman of the House Science Committee, he has made the space program a priority while ardently opposing space-based military systems. Yet winning his past several elections by increasingly slim margins--his 1994 victory was by 2,629 votes--Brown himself has been targeted as vulnerable by the G.O.P.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We have just about reached the limit of how much we can continue to cut NASA without sacrificing some major programs."

    LINDA WILDE (R) District 42

    BORN: March 16, 1957, Normal, Ill. EDUCATION: California College of Law, B.S., 1979, J.D., 1980; Claremont Graduate School, M.A., 1985 FAMILY: Husband, Nat Genis RELIGION: Lutheran MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Judge; lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: San Bernardino County Superior Court judge, 1993- ADDRESS: 8311 Haven Avenue, Suite 150, Rancho Cucamonga 91730. Tel.: 909-484-5240

    Wilde, an unwavering conservative, favors discontinuing the Endangered Species Act, downsizing the federal bureaucracy and imposing term limits. As a Superior Court judge, she is also comfortable making crime her No. 1 issue: she proposes to expand the death penalty and put more cops on the street. With support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the national party and G.O.P. figureheads like Dan Quayle, Wilde is a strong candidate.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm for anything that gets rid of affirmative action."

    KEN CALVERT (R) District 43 (Riverside County--Western suburbs)

    BORN: June 8, 1953, Corona EDUCATION: Chaffey College, A.A., 1973; San Diego State U, B.A., 1975 FAMILY: Divorced RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Real estate executive POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Republican nomination for U.S. House, 1982; U.S. House 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1414, Riverside, 92502. Tel.: 909-784-1811

    Calvert's a sturdy candidate in a new but already Republican-leaning district. In 1993 he became tabloid fodder when the Corona police caught him in his car with a convicted prostitute. Even then, he beat his Democratic opponent handily. This year he is eager to win an election based on issues alone.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "A strong domestic oil-and-gas industry not only means more jobs and a better economic future, but is essential for our national security."

    GUY KIMBROUGH (D) District 43

    BORN: May 30, 1945, Newport, R.I. EDUCATION: California State U at Long Beach, B.A., 1969, M.A., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Pamela; two children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Professor; city administrative aide POLITICAL CAREER: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1988, 1990 ADDRESS: 30141 Antelope Road, Suite D-503, Menifee 92584. Tel.: 909-672-3333

    In Kimbrough's third effort against the Southern California Republican juggernaut--he failed to beat Dana Rohrabacher in the 45th in 1988 and 1990--he criticizes Ken Calvert as a rubber-stamp, Newt Gingrich legislator. In contrast, Kimbrough, a moderate Democrat, supports generous benefits for veterans, Medicare, and federal education and job-training programs.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It's not always smart to throw things back to the states. They have fiscal problems of their own."

    SONNY BONO (R) District 44 (Eastern Riverside County)

    BORN: Feb. 16, 1935, Detroit, Mich. EDUCATION: Inglewood High School, 1948-52 FAMILY: Wife, Mary; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Restaurateur; entertainer POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Palm Springs, 1988-92; sought Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, 1992; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 1555 South Palm Canyon, No. D101, Palm Springs 92264. Tel.: 619-416-9353

    Ridiculed in 1987 when he ran for mayor of Palm Springs, Bono (remembered chiefly as the dull part of Sonny and Cher) has shown that a good understanding of power and patronage serves as well in Washington as in Hollywood. A loyal follower of Newt and a pro-business conservative whose constituents have twice voted him into important public office, Bono has proven himself a formidable pol.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "People have said to me, 'You can't write songs. You can't play an instrument.' But I've got 10 gold records. I can do this job."

    ANITA RUFUS (D) District 44 (Eastern Riverside County)

    BORN: May 17, 1941, Newark, N.J. EDUCATION: Brookhaven Community College, 1981-85 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Radio talk-show host; business consultant; telecommunications executive POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4339, Palm Springs. 92263. Tel.: 619-325-7838

    Rufus' feminist credentials could work against her in a traditionally conservative district--she's a board member of the National Organization for Women and the host of a women's radio talk show--but she is also a single mother who worked herself up from welfare to prosperity. She's using the Mom credentials as the basis of her No. 1 campaign issue: children's health care and education.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "If our children aren't worth investing in as our highest priority, then I'm not sure what we stand for anymore."

    SALLY ALEXANDER (D) District 45 (Coastal Orange County)

    BORN: March 6, 1914, Seattle EDUCATION: Antelope Valley Joint Union High School, 1932 FAMILY: Husband, Chauncey; five children RELIGION: NR MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public relations consultant; convention organizer POLITICAL CAREER: California Democratic Party regional director, 1991-92; Orange County Democratic Central Committee, 1994- ADDRESS: 19744 Beach Boulevard, No. 399, Huntington Beach 92648. Tel.: 714-536-6010

    Alexander helped vote in the New Deal in 1932. Today this great-grandmother, at 82 the oldest challenger among candidates for the House (and perhaps the only boogie-board surfer), is running because of the incumbent's vote to slow the growth of Medicare. She is pro-choice, and says the Contract with America "is trying to put us back in the Middle Ages." The underdog, she also says winning is a miracle waiting to happen.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "People have begun to realize in the past 15 or 20 years that age is not a handicap."

    DANA ROHRABACHER (R) District 45

    BORN: June 21, 1947, Coronado EDUCATION: California State U at Long Beach, B.A., 1969; U of Southern California, M.A., 1971 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: White House speechwriter; journalist POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: 127 Main Street, Suite 1, Huntington Beach 92648. Tel.: 714-969-7457

    The archetype of a conservative district, the 45th has sent this surfing Congressman to the House four times and will probably do it again. Besides the traditional representation he gives his constituents (limiting funds for illegal immigrants and supporting funds for aerospace), Rohrabacher has joined a more liberal cause: he voted to cut off aid to India and China for human-rights abuses.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It's time to kick this weasel out of the garden: deny [most-favored-nation status] and we'll have the undivided attention of China's rulers."

    ROBERT DORNAN (R) District 46 (Part of Orange County; Santa Ana; Garden Grove)

    BORN: April 3, 1933, New York City EDUCATION: Loyola U (Los Angeles), 1950-53 FAMILY: Wife, Sallie; five children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Air Force, 1953-58; Air National Guard, 1958-61; Air Force Reserve, 1961-75 OCCUPATION: Broadcast journalist POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, 1973; U.S. House, 1976-82, 1984-; sought Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, 1982 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3260, Garden Grove 92843. Tel.: 714-590-1999

    Dornan is a right-wing master of rhetoric who preaches family values and military might. A perpetually partisan critic, he has hounded President Clinton for his draft record and homosexuals for their nontraditional life-style. After washing out on the presidential trail this year, Dornan also faces a tough congressional opponent.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I am not a complex person. I say what I believe. People who say that I'm out of control mistake passion for temper."

    LORETTA SANCHEZ (D) District 46

    BORN: Jan. 7, 1960, Lynwood EDUCATION: Chapman U, B.S., 1982; American U, M.B.A., 1984 FAMILY: Husband, Stephen Brixey RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Financial adviser POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for Anaheim City Council, 1994 ADDRESS: 12553 South Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove 92640. Tel.: 714-836-1945

    Sanchez is a Santa Ana businesswoman who became a Democrat in 1992. While her Republican past lingers on in her belief in the need for tax reform, she also now believes that social services should be at least partially available to illegal immigrants and vows to fight cuts in Medicare and educational funding. The district is nearly 50% Latino and 48% Democrat, but it voted for Bush in 1992. Sanchez will need a large--and moderate--turnout to scare the nine-term Bob Dornan.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I've met the Dornan vote door-to-door, and they aren't going to change their minds. The general election is about getting the 55,000 to 60,000 [Latino] votes."

    CHRISTOPHER COX (R) District 47 (Coastal--Central Orange County; Irvine)

    BORN: Oct. 16, 1952, St. Paul, Minn. EDUCATION: U of Southern California, B.A., 1973; Harvard U, M.B.A., 1977, J.D., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Rebecca; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; White House counsel POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8088, Newport Beach 92658. Tel.: 714-786-3600 A former counsel to President Reagan and a respected House intellectual, Cox was elected chairman of the G.O.P. Policy Committee by his Republican colleagues. He has been called "golden bulldog" by a public-interest group for his consistent votes to limit government spending. Though his name is on some vice-presidential lists, for now it seems Cox will stay at the eastern end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NR Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The American people have had ample opportunity to consider the income tax and they have found it sorely wanting. It deserves to die."

    TINA LAINE (D) District 47

    BORN: June 13, 1956, Pasadena EDUCATION: U of California, Berkeley, B.A., 1980; Western State U, J.D., 1986 FAMILY: Husband, Van Ryujin RELIGION: Unitarian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; businesswoman POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 2608 East Hillcrest Avenue, Orange, 92667. Tel.: 714-974-6638

    Laine started at ground level on her improbable trip to upset popular incumbent Christopher Cox: handing out leaflets door to door. On her quest, she praises the Democratic Families First agenda and its focus on education, seniors and crime prevention. Laine thinks more educational and job-training programs will help solve social problems such as crime, poverty, underemployment and racial tension. But in a district that gave George Bush his highest vote percentage in California in 1992, Laine has a tough row to hoe.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I will fight to make a college education more available and affordable, to increase access to pensions and to protect our environment."

    DAN FARRELL (D) District 48 (Part of Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties)

    BORN: Sept. 23, 1941, Absecon Island, N.J. EDUCATION: California State U at Long Beach, B.A., 1989 FAMILY: Divorced; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Writer; teacher; sales manager POLITICAL CAREER: California Democratic Party Central Committee, 1986-; sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1988 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2542, Capistrano Beach 92624. Tel.: 714-661-4458

    A proud Irish American who calls himself a "recovering Republican," Farrell dates his political conversion to what he believes was a Reagan Administration cover-up of the seriousness of the 1979 accident at the Three-Mile Island nuclear plant. To win this race, the long shot Farrell would need a mass conversion to the Democratic party in the 48th, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm telling people that the Democratic Party is looking for a few good Republicans."

    RON PACKARD (R) District 48

    BORN: Jan. 19, 1931, Meridian, Idaho EDUCATION: U of Oregon, D.M.D., 1957 FAMILY: Wife, Jean; seven children RELIGION: Mormon MILITARY: Navy Dental Corps, 1957-59 OCCUPATION: Dentist POLITICAL CAREER: Carlsbad City Council, 1976-78; mayor of Carlsbad, 1978-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1549, Carlsbad 92018. Tel.: 703-402-3433

    A Representative since 1982, Packard shifted from the 43rd District to the 48th in 1992 as a result of redistricting. After 14 years on the Hill, he has earned a reputation as a deficit hawk and critic of legislative pork. He also leans right on social issues such as illegal immigration, which he is determined to thwart with more border-patrol agents and fewer welfare benefits.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Giving assistance to illegal immigrants who broke the law to enter this country undermines the integrity of our laws. Every dollar spent on illegal immigrants is a dollar denied to taxpaying citizens."

    BRIAN BILBRAY (R) District 49 (North San Diego; Coronado; Imperial Beach)

    BORN: Jan. 28, 1951, Coronado EDUCATION: Southwestern College, 1970-74 FAMILY: Wife, Karen Walker; five children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Tax-firm owner POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Imperial Beach, 1979-85; San Diego County Board of Supervisors, 1985-94; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 4202 Genesee Avenue, Suite 102, San Diego 92117. Tel.: 619-277-8683

    Bilbray, a surfer, became mayor of Imperial Beach at the fresh age of 27 and rode a G.O.P. wave to congressional victory in 1994. He spent much of his first term working on environmental issues--notably, he helped San Diego win exemption from some sewage-treatment regulations--but shows signs of centrism with a vote against repealing the assault-weapons ban.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "There is no one who wishes to maintain a clean and safe environment more than I. On weekends I regularly swim and surf off Point Loma with my two smallest children."

    PETER NAVARRO (D) District 49

    BORN: July 15, 1949, Cambridge, Mass. EDUCATION: Tufts U, B.A., 1972; Harvard U, M.P.A., 1979, Ph.D., 1986 FAMILY: Wife, Janet RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: College professor; environmental-policy researcher POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for mayor of San Diego, 1992; Democratic nominee for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, 1994 ADDRESS: 3949 Clairemont Drive, Suite 19, San Diego 92117. Tel.: 619-483-4996

    Navarro, a professor of economics and public policy, has yet to win an election. But he is a committed activist--founder of the group Prevent Los Angelization Now!--which vows to fight against Medicare cuts and environmental deregulation. Navarro has also earned the attention of Democratic powerhouses like Al Gore, who attended a fund raiser for the challenger in July.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It's essential for this seat to come back to the American people to take Congress from Newt Gingrich, the extreme right and Brian Bilbray."

    JIM BAIZE (R) District 50 (Central and south San Diego; Chula Vista; National City)

    BORN: Dec. 16, 1946, Louisville, Ky. EDUCATION: Baptist Bible College, B.A., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia Ann; three children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Minister POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 334 E Street, Chula Vista 91911. Tel.: 619-420-9984

    Baize heads the Midway Baptist Church, with a membership of more than 2,500, and wants to extend his spiritual work to Congress. If elected, this former Imperial Times Man of the Year plans to push traditional family values, with bans on abortion and gay marriages. A strict conservative, Baize also advocates high defense spending, the death penalty and, as an N.R.A. member, no gun control.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "There is no legitimate reason to ask Americans for any more of their money. More taxes just means less money for your family."

    BOB FILNER (D) District 50

    BORN: Sept. 4, 1942, Pittsburgh, Pa. EDUCATION: Cornell U, B.A., 1963, Ph.D., 1973; U of Delaware, M.A., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Jane; two children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public official; college professor POLITICAL CAREER: San Diego School Board, 1979-83; candidate for San Diego City Council, 1983; San Diego City Council, 1987-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 127868, San Diego 92112. Tel.: 619-479-1996

    A former aide to Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Filner served two months in a Mississippi prison for taking part in a sit-in at a lunch counter during a stint as a Freedom Rider in 1961. Now a two-term incumbent, the still liberal Filner is the only Democratic House member in all of Orange County and the San Diego area.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I found that fixing the budget was like turning around an aircraft: it must be done carefully and prudently, or the ship will tear apart."

    RANDY CUNNINGHAM (R) District 51 (San Diego area--North county suburbs)

    BORN: Dec. 8, 1941, Los Angeles EDUCATION: U of Missouri, B.S., 1964, M.S., 1965; National U, M.B.A., 1985 FAMILY: Wife, Nancy; three children RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: Navy, 1967-87 OCCUPATION: Computer-software executive POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 40227, San Diego 92164. Tel.: 619-736-5296

    Like John Wayne, with whom he shares the nickname Duke, Cunningham is a man of action. He was awarded two Silver Stars and 10 air medals as a pilot in Vietnam, so it was natural that the military be his legislative speciality. He vehemently opposes defense cuts, but he also battled for a bill to prevent the President from sending troops to Bosnia. In a Republican district that gave Clinton only 32% of the vote, Cunningham is expected to win.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I do not believe [American troops] can be well led when they have a Commander in Chief who has turned his back on them."

    RITA TAMERIUS (D) District 51

    BORN: Nov. 2, 1945, Wenatchee, Wash. EDUCATION: U of Washington, B.S., 1968, M.A., 1973; San Diego State U, M.A., 1975 FAMILY: Husband, John; three children RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: Army Nurse Corps, 1967-69; Army Nurse Corps Reserve, 1975-80 OCCUPATION: Nurse POLITICAL CAREER: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 7720-B El Camino Real, Suite 107, Carlsbad 92009. Tel.: 619-632-7438

    Tamerius is having another go at the House after garnering a disappointing 28% of the vote against incumbent Randy Cunningham in the 1994 election. She and Cunningham are an interesting pair: an ex-Army nurse against an ex-fighter pilot. But in response to all that military might, Tamerius is focusing on family and life-style issues.

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I can promise that the well-being of families in this community will always be my top priority."

    DUNCAN HUNTER (R) District 52 (Inland San Diego and Imperial counties)

    BORN: May 31, 1948, Riverside EDUCATION: Western State U, B.S.L., 1976, J.D., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Lynne; two children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: Army, 1969-71 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: 9340 Fuerte Drive, No. 302, La Mesa 91941. Tel.: 619-463-3896

    A Vietnam veteran with a Bronze Star and 25 helicopter combat assaults on his resume, Hunter still devotes a lot of time to military affairs--as chairman of the House Military Procurement Subcommittee, where he lobbies for more defense dollars. He also has made illegal immigration a priority and is a strong opponent of the "NAFTA Train," a proposal to restore the San Diego and Arizona Railroad, which dips into Mexico and, according to Hunter, would be a magnet for illegal aliens and bandits.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "President Clinton...has given us a big mission, spread us all over the world, and hasn't equipped the troops with what they need."

    DARITY WESLEY (D) District 52

    BORN: Oct. 30, 1942, Washington EDUCATION: California State U at San Diego, B.A., 1979; U of San Diego, J.D., 1983 FAMILY: Husband, Robert RELIGION: NR MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Information-systems executive; lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 3755 Avocado Boulevard, No. 282, La Mesa 91941. Tel.: 619-670-9462

    Wesley prides herself on her "balanced perspective" on the issues. She denounces federal regulation of small business, but supports abortion rights, environmental protection, gun control and continued high levels of federal funding for education, Medicare and Social Security. Unfortunately for Wesley, more than perspective may be required to unseat eight-term conservative Duncan Hunter in this solidly Republican district.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I am a working woman who understands the needs of working families."