“I’m the only guy in the race who actually has a private sector job,” said Bobko, 41, an attorney who represents municipalities and recently played a key role in securing a gang injunction for a Monrovia community.
“I’m going to Washington to take on the establishment politicians who think we can borrow and spend our way to growth. Folks don’t want more expensive government programs or more red tape, and they certainly don’t want more taxes,” Bobko said.
“What people tell me is that they want the bureaucrats and politicians to get out of their way so they can grow their businesses, keep more of the money they earn, and save for their families,” he said.
Bobko threw his hat in the ring on Monday, joining fellow Republicans Mike Gin, the Redondo Beach mayor, and Mike Webb, Redondo’s city attorney. Democrats in the race are Secretary of State Debra Bowen, former Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn and activist Marcy Winograd.
A date had not been set for the special primary election to replace Harman, who announced her resignation last month to helm a Washington-based think tank.
A candidate getting a majority of the votes would win outright; if nobody gets a majority, a runoff will be held between the top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation.
Bobko said he expects to be out-fundraised by the likes of Harman and Hahn. He said he will combine traditional campaigning with the newer use of social media during the race.
Bobko said he believes that voters will be willing to cross party lines in the congressional district, where Democrats outnumber Republicans.
Bobko, a two-term councilman, spearheaded the overhaul of upper Pier Avenue, Hermosa’s main drag. He also has opposed tax increases and called for reductions in future public employee pensions.
“Other candidates and politicians talk about being fiscal conservatives and talk about their willingness to tackle the tough issues. My record shows I don’t talk, I do,” he said. “I took on reforming public pensions before it was capturing headlines. I could see our system was unsustainable because we were making obligations with money we did not have and could not get. That had to change.”
Bobko served in the U.S. Air Force, and was honorably discharged as a captain in 1996.
“As a veteran, I bring a perspective the other candidates don’t have. I understand firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make for us,” Bobko said. “In today’s uncertain world it will be a top priority to make sure the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines we put into harm’s way have the tools and resources they need. I’m the only candidate with actual, rubber-meets-the-tarmac experience in aerospace.”
Bobko holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of South Carolina and attended George Washington University Law School.
He is a litigation partner at the law firm of Richards, Waston and Gershon, and represents public entities in handling election contests, property tax litigation, land use disputes, and federal constitutional and civil rights cases.
In addition to the gang injunction in Monrovia, Bobko has worked to close marijuana dispensaries in Upland and Temecula. ER
