More endorsements, final candidates list in special election to replace Jane Harman

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In the first major environmental group endorsement in the crowded special congressional election, the California League of Conservation Voters announced Wednesday that it is backing Secretary of State Debra Bowen, a Democrat who spent 14 years in the Legislature before becoming the state’s top records official.

Bowen is one of 16 candidates seeking to replace former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice) in the 36th Congressional District, which runs along the coast from Venice to San Pedro and also includes some inland South Bay communities. Environmental issues -- and particularly ocean water quality -- have long been prominent concerns in the area.

Also this week, one of Bowen’s main competitors, Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn, also a Democrat, added Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Lakewood) to her long list of endorsements from area elected officials.

State election officials Wednesday certified the list of 16 candidates who qualified for the May 17 special primary ballot, two fewer than had filed. There are five Democrats, six Republicans, one Libertarian, one Peace and Freedom Party member and three listed as having no party preference. All will appear on a single ballot.

If no one wins a majority, the top two vote-getters, regardless of political party, will advance to a July 12 runoff.

-- Jean Merl