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Berman v. Sherman

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September 15, 2011 | 5:49 pm

Introducing the Berman v. Sherman blog

Posted by Jonah Lowenfeld

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Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), left, and Rep. Howard Berman (D-Valley Village) testifying at a house subcommittee in 2003.

Is the race between Jewish incumbent democratic congressmen Howard Berman and Brad Sherman splitting the Jewish community in two?

That was the question posed to me by a correspondent from CNN earlier this week. And while the short answer is no (or at least not yet), a longer answer is worthwhile—and serves as a good introduction to this new blog, which will follow this unique race as it develops.

The cable news channel’s documentary unit came to the Jewish Journal’s offices on Tuesday as part of a nationwide look at the once-a-decade redistricting process. The hour-long special, set to air in November, will take a particularly in-depth look at California, where for the first time, the lines dividing the state into political districts were drawn not by elected officials but by an appointed Citizens Redistricting Commission.

And like many media outlets, CNN is watching the developing race between Reps. Berman and Sherman in the newly drawn 30th congressional district, located in the West San Fernando Valley.

The two Jewish incumbent Democrats have been representing adjacent districts in the San Fernando Valley for years, and when the new district lines were finalized in August, it didn’t take long for Sherman—and only a short time later, Berman—to go into reelection campaign mode.

Sherman and Berman have both released high-profile endorsements, and Sherman has circulated poll numbers that show him winning either a two-way or three-way race—results that Berman, in a recent article in the Forward, appeared to agree with.

But the primary election—an open primary in which all voters can cast ballots—won’t take place until June of 2012, and the top two finishers from that election wouldn’t run against one another until the following November. Both dates are a long way off.

Numerous journalists are covering this story—of Jew v. Jew, of Dem v. Dem. But aside from the people who have already endorsed each candidate, nobody has publicly encouraged either Berman or Sherman to move from the 30th district and run for reelection somewhere else—least of all Jewish community leaders.

Politically savvy Jews and well-informed Israel supporters are paying attention to the race—but publicly at least, they’re all simply hoping that a way will be found to keep both congressmen in office.

As for the voters, it doesn’t appear to be the primary item on their agenda—that is, if they’re aware of the looming head-to-head matchup at all. At Sherman’s town hall meeting in August, aside from the questions asked by three journalists in attendance, the prospect of a Berman v. Sherman race came up only once.

Sherman sidestepped that question saying that the focus of the town hall meeting was policy, not politics—but his constituents were leaning in that direction anyway. People asked about job creation. They asked about the American involvement in Libya. One person asked about Israel; another young man, an Iraq War veteran, asked about a military decoration he felt he was owed.

Those were Sherman’s most involved constituents—and in August, they had other things on their minds. But in the months between now and June 2012, the Berman-Sherman conundrum will become increasingly unavoidable.

Or it could go away. Somehow.

In any event, I’ll be following the candidates (and the media coverage) on this blog. And if this race really does start tearing the Jewish community apart, I’ll definitely let you know.

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Not to be argumentative, but it’s actually three Jews, one district. My name is Susan Shelley and I’m a Republican candidate for Congress in California’s 30th District. I’m Jewish and I’m a strong, unapologetic defender of Israel, as readers of my blog, AmericaWantsToKnow, will attest. California has an open primary in June and voters will have a choice, even if one of the Democrats chooses to run in a different district.

Comment by Susan Shelley on 9/16/11 at 3:13 pm

You do not have to be Jewish to support Isreal infact even Jesus found out the biggest traitor was one of his own. As an American Indian we have even found out one of our own is the most dangerous to us as a people. Sherman & Berman have supported Obama’s policies and now that can’t get far enought away from him. However they both still support him. Visit my website at http://www.markreedforcongress.com Contact my office. Mark Reed

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/17/11 at 12:36 am

I think this blog and other things like it can wait until both candidates file for the race.  Otherwise it just encourages something that many people are hoping won’t happen.  JMO!

Comment by Tom Kaptain on 9/18/11 at 11:16 pm

It,s a battle of arrogance and pride. In the new district Sherman retained the majority of his original district, 60%, Berman has retained only 20%. Berman could run in his old district however it went to a Latino majority. Sherman was offered an Ambassador appointment to avoid a blood bath or he could move to a district just north of him. Will we all wait and see what happens, however while we wait and see 80,000 new foreclosures are happening in the Valley, unemployment continues to climb and businesses continue to close, fail or simply move out of the state. Can we afford either of these two. We need to restore our Valley and our country, visit my website at http://www.markreedforcongress.com

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/19/11 at 11:39 am

there’s been a lot of hang-wringing about this contest—understandably. addressing campaign finance reform would be a great opportunity for both candidates to raise the profile of this race. foregoing any campaign donation greater than $200 per giver would raise voter awareness how they can regain influence over lesgilsative decision making.

Comment by jude folly on 9/20/11 at 11:47 am

They are both senior members of congress who will spend over 10 mil. on their race combined. Sherman has put in 250 thousand of his own money for a 175 thousand a year job. These facts have given this a high profile. Campaign fin/ref is a must returning control back to the residents of the district. I will propose that whatever the candidate or incumbent raises in the district can be matched outside the district, so if the residents of the district no longer want the incumbent they no longer finance him or her and they can finance the challenger giving control back to the people. http://www.markreedforcongress.com

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/20/11 at 12:20 pm

As of now both get the majority of their money outside of the district giving control to others. This is why they do not listen to you. They also use your money to campaign, mailers, town halls, emails, staff etc. I will propose once they have made it clear they are the candidate for the upcoming election they can no longer use tax payers money to campaign. If you like these ideas support my campaign http://www.markreedforcongress.com

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/20/11 at 12:21 pm

Sherman and Berman were both asked to denounce the DNC’s endorsement of the J street group and the P.A. Resolution to the U.N. Both refused to denounce and now you see them both back pedaling. I would have introduced a resolution to the house floor denouncing the P.A. resolution, with the entire congress behind their request to others to vote NO it would have carried more weight.

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/20/11 at 12:29 pm

Who will use their clout to contour development that continues to undervalue the West San Fernando Valley by building more dwellings via apartments than Ahmanson Ranch proposed?
Who will open their mouth to insist on
quality and community friendly shopping. A Costco is proposed just south of “Topanga Plaza”?
Who with power that chooses to exercise that power will attract my vote?

Comment by Jeff Bornstein on 9/21/11 at 3:50 pm

Quality of life is the first consideration anyone with influence should consider along with the protection of our liberties and our security. Please visit my website and look into my background. Contact me direct if you have any questions. http://www.markreedforcongress.com I hope to gain your trust and support. Thank you Mark

Comment by Mark Reed on 9/21/11 at 11:18 pm

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