Rep. Henry Waxman gets President Obama’s endorsement

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President Obama has endorsed longtime Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills), the Waxman campaign announced Tuesday.

Waxman is seeking reelection in the newly drawn 33rd Congressional District and is challenged by a well financed nonpartisan candidate, businessman and former Republican Bill Bloomfield of Manhattan Beach.

‘Henry Waxman has always fought for what is right and in the best interests of California and our nation,’ Obama said in a statement. He cited Waxman’s work on environmental protection, his efforts to fight government waste and abuse and his leadership on health care legislation.

A member of the House for nearly four decades, Waxman previously chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Bloomfield’s supporters include former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.

The largely affluent district includes Beverly Hills and Malibu and runs south along the coast through the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 44%-28% in the district while 22% of voters are not affiliated with any political party.

Bloomfield spent almost $1.4 million to come in second in the eight-way primary, earning 25% of the vote. Waxman spent about $557,000 and finished first with 45%.

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