Waxman fights off independent opponent

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has fended off a challenge from an independent candidate to retain his seat.

Bill Bloomfield, Waxman’s opponent, used millions of his own money to put up a well-funded fight.

But he ultimately could not unseat Waxman, with the incumbent gathering more than 53 percent of the vote compared to Bloomfield’s 46 percent share, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Waxman has served California since 1975, but was slotted into the recently redrawn 33rd Congressional District this year. While Waxman retained a portion of his former West Los Angeles district, the realignment also put him in unfamiliar turf to the south.

A powerful House Democrat, Waxman co-authored the comprehensive climate change bill that squeaked through the House in 2009 but died in the Senate. He also was integral in moving President Obama’s healthcare reform bill.

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