(May 2, 2007) -- Veteran state lawmaker, Assemblywoman/former State Senator Betty Karnette (D., LB) has told LBReport.com that she is NOT running for the 37th district Congressional seat now vacant on the death of Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D., Carson-LB).
In response to an inquiry by LBReport.com, Assemblywoman Karnette's office provided the following statement:
Although I will miss Congresswoman Millender-McDonald and offer my unconditional support to her family and loved ones at this difficult time, the time has come for the people of California’s 37th congressional district to begin the difficult process of finding her successor.
While there has been some indication that I may seek this seat, I have decided to continue devoting my time and attention to state issues, particularly education and transportation.
Voters in the 37th congressional district will have a very important choice to make about their national representation. From my perspective, we want our congressional representative to be a strong leader.
Long Beach needs a representative who understands local issues, fights for clean and safe ports, and has the skills, connections and experience that it takes to deliver on local needs.
As previously reported by LBReport.com, Assemblywoman (and former LB Councilwoman) Laura Richardson (D., Carson-LB) announced yesterday she will seek to fill the vacant Congressional seat.
And this afternoon, State Senator (and former Assemblywoman and LB Councilwoman) Jenny Oropeza (D., Southbay) announced she will also run to represent the area which stretches from Willowbrook to ELB and includes roughly 80% of LB, all of Signal Hill and much of Lakewood.