KCRW's Matt Miller joins race for Waxman seat

The race to succeed Rep. Henry Waxman in the 33rd congressional district just got more crowded. Matt Miller, the author and policy analyst who hosts "Left, Right and Center" on KCRW, said this afternoon on the show that he will run. It re-airs tonight at 7 p.m. Miller is running as a Democrat with a centrist tone. He will take a leave from KCRW and from his Washington Post column.

For years, as the host of KCRW’s political radio show "Left, Right, and Center" in Santa Monica, I’ve urged people to demand real solutions from our leaders, and not let them get away with empty words. As an author and policy analyst, I’ve developed practical ideas to revitalize our economy, elevate the teaching profession, and protect our seniors.

Now, with Congressman Waxman’s retirement, our community is losing a remarkable representative, and facing a critical choice.

The fact is, Congressman Waxman has been the exception to the rule in Washington. I’m a proud Democrat; but too often, politicians in both parties care more about winning elections than solving problems. Yes, we must stop the Tea Party and its reckless agenda. But we also have to tackle huge challenges – from the runaway costs of college and health care, to the threat of climate change, the shortage of good jobs, and internationally lagging schools. This means embracing bold ideas – not career politicians who pretend to take action while changing little that matters.

I’m running for Congress because it’s time to expect more.

In an email to potential supporters, Miller stresses that he was a senior advisor in the Office of Management and Budget under President Bill Clinton. He lives in Pacific Palisades and not just for show — he's been there 20 years, he says.

Miller joins a race in which state Sen. Ted Lieu and former city controller Wendy Greuel are already in a sprint. Author Marianne Williamson is running as independent. Deputy District Attorney Elan S. Carris in as a Republican. The filing period is still running and I may have missed somebody around the edges.