Calif. Dem Richardson again in primary trouble

Rep. Laura Richardson's (D-Calif.) personal financial problems didn't trouble voters in 2008 when she first won reelection to the House. But in a year when ethical issues are compounded by anti-incumbent sentiment, she may be in trouble. And it doesn't help that the Democrat is embroiled in another ethics controversy.

Richardson's decision earlier this year to take her 19 staff members on a helicopter tour of Long Beach is now being crititicized, according to the Contra Costa Times. Richardson's party took off in two Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopters at a cost of over $20,000 to taxpayers. The controversy is giving hope to her three primary challengers -- two of which she faced in 2008.

College professor Peter Mathews and writer Lee Davis are again trying to unseat Richardson, while attorney Terrance Ponchak is making his first go at the congresswoman.