Hahn Picks Up Another Endorsement for Congress

Janice Hahn's march toward Congress continued to speed along as she garnered another endorsement Thursday.

The L.A. city councilwoman won the backing of El Segundo Mayor Eric Busch in her bid to represent the 36th Congressional District, which includes Hermosa Beach.  

"As a local councilwoman, Janice Hahn has a thorough understanding of how local government works," Busch said in a statement. "We need our next member of Congress to know how to balance a budget, help local small businesses flourish, and create local good paying jobs. I believe that person is Janice Hahn.”

Hahn has been busy on the campaign trail since her  at Sunday's Mar Vista farmer's market, where she was joined by L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl. Rosendahl  on Wednesday. Hahn has also received the backing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Throughout this week, Hahn, who lives in San Pedro, has secured endorsements  from several local South Bay leaders in the district including: Former Hermosa Beach City Councilman Michael Keegan, Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery, Manhattan Beach City Councilwoman Portia Cohen, Manhattan Beach City Councilman Mitch Ward, Redondo Beach City Councilman Steve Diels, Lomita Mayor Pro-Tem James Gazely, Lomita City Councilman Don Suminaga, Lomita City Councilwoman Margaret Estrada, Lomita City Councilman Ben Traina, Former Lomita City Councilman Mark Waronek, and Former Torrance City Councilwoman Hope Witkowsky.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced her candidacy for the 36th District on Tuesday. The Marina del Rey resident has been endorsed by former L.A. City Controller Laura Chick, who wrote on her Twitter page: "Secretary of State Debra Bowen has officially announced she's running for Congress! I'm proud to enthusiastically endorse her. Go Debra!"

Despite Hahn's head start in the campaign, Bowen remains unfazed by her opponent's endorsements.  

"Voters tend to do their own homework when it comes to the candidates and don't pay too much attention to endorsements," she said in an interview with the Daily Breeze on Tuesday.

Both Hahn and Bowen are looking to replace Jane Harman, who announced Feb. 8 that she was  and will officially resign her post Feb. 28. A date has not yet been set for the election to replace her.

As the race to fill Harman's seat continues, Patch will report the latest news.