45TH ASSEMBLY RACE

Democratic Assemblyman Burt Margolin of Los Angeles is seeking a fifth term.

A solid liberal, Margolin is a leading force on legislation to promote recycling and provide coverage to millions of working Californians who do not have health insurance benefits.

A former staffer for Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Los Angeles) and Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City) when Berman was an assemblyman, Margolin also is closely allied with the namesakes of the Westside Democratic political organization.

Margolin faces an under-financed challenge from Republican businesswoman Elizabeth Michael of Hollywood, who describes herself as a “born-again Jew for Jesus.”

Michael says she strongly opposes abortion and would support a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortions. That position puts her sharply at odds with the incumbent, who favors a woman’s right to an abortion.

Michael takes a strong stance against gun control, opposes waiting periods for the purchase of handguns, and favors “broad leeway in self-defense.” She would repeal restrictions on the sale of assault weapons. “Gun control doesn’t work,” she said.

An unsuccessful candidate for the state Senate two years ago, Michael is sharply critical of Margolin for being part of the Waxman-Berman organization and a political ally of Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco).

She criticizes his receipt of campaign contributions from special interest political action committees.

Peace and Freedom candidate Owen Staley is also on the ballot.

Staff writers Josh Meyer and Ron Russell and Times librarian Joyce Sherwood assisted with this report.

45TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT The district: Hollywood, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Universal City, North Hollywood and part of Burbank.

Candidates Party Burt Margolin (Inc) Democrat Elizabeth Michael Republican Owen Staley Peace and Freedom

Voter Registration Registered Percent Democrats 85,353 58.9% Republicans 41,258 28.5 Independents 14,733 10.2 Minor Parties* 3,513 2.4 Total 144,857

* American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Libertarian and miscellaneous

1988 Results Votes Percent Burt Margolin (D) (inc.) 78,045 68.8% David Frankel (R) 30,789 27.1 Julie Fausto (P&F;) 4,637 4.1