A Former Member Vs. A Freshman
California's 36th Congressional District

HARMAN EDGES KUYKENDALL
Democrat Jane Harman reclaimed the House seat she held for three terms before leaving to run, unsuccessfully, for governor in 1998. Harman edged freshman Republican Steve Kuykendall 48 to 47 percent.

The beach-lined district, which also includes Los Angeles International Airport, tends to be fiscally conservative but socially liberal. Democratic and Republican registration is almost equal, and roughly a fifth of voters register with third parties or decline to state their affiliation.

Harman advertised her work in Congress for the area's aerospace and defense industry, while Kuykendall distanced himself from the far right, advocating some abortion rights and gun control legislation. Harman returns to Washington the equivalent of a four-term House member. (11/8)

A DEMOCRATIC HOPE
Democrats are counting on Jane Harman to win back her old seat as they move to retake the U.S. House. (10/13)

THE DISTRICT
Running along the Pacific, California's 36th district is home to a burgeoning high tech corridor and intensely liberal and conservative communities.

THE INCUMBENT
First-term member Steve Kuykendall hopes to hold the seat for the Republican Party.

THE CHALLENGER
Jane Harman, the former Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate, decides to run for her former seat.