Two more Republicans could soon jump in the race to succeed resigning Democratic Rep. Jane Harman in the 36th Congressional District.
Redondo Beach City Attorney Mike Webb said yesterday he is "strongly considering" running for the seat.
The 48-year-old former prosecutor cited his lifelong ties to the district and experience on anti-terrorism advisory panels and initiatives as qualifications for running for the open seat. As for viability to mount a run in the Democratic-held district, Webb noted that he has broken local fundraising records in his six years as city attorney.
"I've lived most of my life in the South Bay," the Redondo Beach resident said. "I think that given the issues that we're facing, (the district's voters) clearly are well suited for a Republican given the fact that (the government is) just spending more money than we take in."
Nathan Mintz, last year's Republican nominee in the overlapping 53rd Assembly District, said yesterday he is "still collecting information and haven't made any decisions."
The 27-year-old aerospace engineer lost a November contest to now Democratic Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, of Marina del Rey. The then first-time candidate made a strong showing in the Democratic district, coming within seven points of Butler.
Mintz said though he had received more than 50 calls urging him to run by yesterday, the registration split in the congressional district makes it "a much harder district than the one I ran in." But he said his background as an aerospace engineer could attract voters seeking to protect and create additional aerospace, manufacturing and port industry jobs in the district.
"This district really needs somebody who is going to be a tireless advocate for aerospace and certainty the other manufacturing jobs in this area," he said.
A slew of potential candidates for the coastal Los Angeles County district have been emerging in the wake of Monday's news that Harman will step down.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn, a Democrat, has announced her candidacy for the seat. Secretary of State Debra Bowen is also considering a run, as are 2010 Democratic primary candidate Marcy Winograd and Republican Craig Huey, who publishes conservative voting guides.
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