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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)