Radio host, former Clinton aide Matt Miller to run for Waxman seat

Matt Miller, newspaper columnist and former Clinton White House aide, said Friday he is jumping into the already crowded race to replace retiring Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills).

Miller announced his candidacy on “Left, Right & Center,” the political program he co-hosts on KCRW-FM (89.9).

“With Congressman Waxman’s retirement, our community is losing a remarkable representative and facing a critical choice,” Miller said in a statement issued by his campaign. “I’m a proud Democrat but too often politicians in both parties care more about winning elections than solving problems.”

Miller added that solving such problems as the shortage of good jobs, the high cost of college and healthcare, and the threats from climate change “means embracing bold ideas -- the kind of fresh thinking we aren’t likely to get from career politicians.”

Waxman’s Jan. 30 announcement of his impending retirement after four decades in Congress set off a land rush of candidates for 33rd District seat. It is a Democratic stronghold that runs from L.A.’s Westside and Malibu down the coast through the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The best known of the several Democrats already in the race before Friday are state Sen. Ted Lieu of Torrance and former L.A. Controller Wendy Greuel.

One Republican and two independents also have announced candidacies. Among the independents is bestselling author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson, who has been campaigning for months and has reported raising more than $350,000, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Because the race will have no incumbent on the ballot, the filing period for candidates will not close until March 12.

Miller, who lives with his wife in Pacific Palisades, was a senior advisor in the White House Office of Management and Budget. He has written two books, is a columnist for the Washington Post and served on the board of the local education reform group Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.

ALSO:

Gov. Brown says he can help solve state’s water crisis

Sen. Padilla rejects request by political foe on contributions

Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris will launch reelection campaign Wednesday

[email protected]

Twitter: @jeanmerl