Thaindian News

Feb 7 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A report from the LA Times reveals that Democratic Representative Jane Harman is expected to resign from her post in Congress in order to head the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Harman is a leading voice from Congress on anti-terrorism issues, but according to a senior congressional member, Harman will be leaving Congress in order to lead the Center, and will set up a special election that will decide whom her successor will be. Her coastal district spans from Venice, California to the South Bay.

Former Representative Lee Hamilton is the current leader of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a Washington, DC think tank, and no date has been set for Harman’s move to take over the spot. She is leaving her congressional post just after her party lost control of the House. This will leave a congressional seat open in the LA area, which is a rare occurrence.

In an email which Harman sent out to her constituents to tell them of her choice, she stated, “I have always believed that the best solutions to tough problems require a bipartisan approach, and bipartisanship is the center’s ‘brand’. Serving at its helm provides unique opportunities to involve the House and Senate, top experts, and world leaders in ‘great debates’ about the most pressing foreign and domestic policy matters.

“This is an excruciating decision because the distinction of representing the smartest constituents on earth will never be surpassed – nor will my relationships with my exceptional staff and colleagues in Congress. But shaping and leading the Wilson Center is a thrilling new challenge.’’ She added that she and her husband, “will always retain our residence in Venice, be home frequently, and stay engaged at USC and active in the community. You have elected me to nine terms in Congress – an honor without equal. I hope you understand how truly grateful I am for your friendship and support.”