Reproductive rights activist looks to run for Ted Lieu’s soon to be vacant seat rather than Congress

by Brian Leubitz

Congress seats in the age of term limits, even in the new 12 year age of term limits, are precious objects. And so the melee over Henry Waxman’s CA-33 continues to heat up. Sen. Ted Lieu is definitely in the race, as is former mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel. Rumors are flying about a number of other candidates, but Fluke has made her intentions clear:

Fluke late Tuesday said she would run for the state Senate in California instead of for the retiring Rep. Henry Waxman’s (D-Calif.) House seat.

The woman derided in 2012 by Rush Limbaugh as a “slut” because of her calls for birth control to be covered as part of health insurance said she strongly considered running for the House, but decided a campaign for the state Senate was the better fit.

“I am extremely moved by the outpouring of local and national support I have received since I announced that I was considering running for office. My entire career has been devoted to the public interest, whether representing victims of human trafficking or advocating for working families,” Fluke said in a statement.(The Hill)

Fluke will be a very strong candidate in a slightly less crowded field in SD-26, especially with the endorsement of Rep. Janice Hahn. Though an open senate seat is still likely to draw attention. Former Assemblymember Betsy Butler and School Board member Ben Allen are rumored candidates there.