By Kaya Masler on August 08, 2014

NY Times: Once Targeted by Limbaugh, Lawyer Seeks California Seat

 

SACRAMENTO — The former Georgetown University law student who gained national attention two years ago after being denied a chance to testify before a congressional committee about health plan coverage for contraceptives — and was then subjected to degrading comments by the radio host Rush Limbaugh — is hoping to make public policy of her own.

The former student, Sandra Fluke, now a lawyer, is a Democrat running as a first-time candidate for a State Senate seat representing some of the most affluent communities of Los Angeles County, a district that stretches from the Hollywood Hills to the Palos Verdes peninsula.

Democrats outnumber Republicans by two to one in the district. Ms. Fluke’s campaign platform includes subsidized early education, environmental protection, expanded public transit and women’s rights.

Ms. Fluke, 33, finished second in a field of eight candidates in a primary on June 3 and faces a fellow Democrat, Ben Allen, in the November general election. Mr. Allen, 36, is a lawyer and Santa Monica school board member. He has received broad support from Republicans and independents, who account for 43 percent of the district’s voters.

Ms. Fluke drew attention in February 2012 after House Republicans would not allow her to testify about wanting her college health plan to cover birth control. After she spoke to a panel of Democratic lawmakers, Mr. Limbaugh compared her to a prostitute. He later apologized.

“I don’t think that my time in that situation is what in any way qualifies me for office, but I think it gives voters an example of what my leadership looks like,” Ms. Fluke said. “You can see that I don’t back down from my position, that I’m willing to stand for my community’s needs regardless of the consequences for me.”

Ms. Fluke represents victims of human trafficking and domestic violence and does nonprofit advocacy. She lives with her husband in West Hollywood.

She initially considered a run for Congress after Representative Henry Waxman, a Democrat, announced his retirement but decided against it after high-profile candidates entered that race, including State Senator Ted Lieu, a Democrat. Ms. Fluke and Mr. Allen are seeking Mr. Lieu’s open seat.