Sandra Fluke files to run for Henry Waxman's seat

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Women's advocate Sandra Fluke has taken the next step in a run for retiring California Rep. Henry Waxman's seat in the House of Representatives.

Fluke, who rose to national prominence when she was barred from testifying before Congress on birth control and was attacked by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh on his show, joins State Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel in running for the seat.

A source close to Fluke said the filing was a first step, but not a definite indication she will officially run.

"This was to keep her options open," the source said.

Waxman, a 40-year veteran in the House and a giant in the Democratic party, announced last week he would retire at the end of the year. His decision vacates the 33rd congressional district seat -- which includes Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach -- which is wealthy and leans heavily Democratic.

He previously represented the 24th, 29th and 30th districts, all in essentially the same area northwest of Los Angeles, since his election in 1974.

Fluke moved to Los Angles after graduating from Georgetown University's law school, where she became an advocate for expanded access to contraceptive rights after learning the school -- affiliated with the Jesuits -- did not include birth control in its student health plan.

She worked as a campaign advocate for President Obama's reelection in 2012, and now works as an attorney in Los Angeles.

[California Democratic Party] [The Hill]