Sandra Fluke 'Strongly Considering' Running For Open Congressional Seat

Sandra Fluke, the Georgetown Law School grad and champion of women's rights, might be running for Congress.

Fluke gained notoriety as the center of a media melee after Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut" and a "prostitute" for wanting insurers to provide no-cost birth control. After Rep. Henry Waxman announced his retirement this morning, Fluke's name has been floated around today as a possible candidate to replace him in California's 33rd Congressional District.

"I'm flattered that I'm being discussed as a potential candidate," Fluke told KPCC. "A number of folks I respect very deeply have reached out today and encouraged me to run. I am strongly considering running."

Fluke, 32, has lived in the Los Angeles area for the past couple years, ever since she graduated from Georgetown. Since then, she has kept herself in the public eye, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and, more recently, taking part in this year's Women's Policy Summit. She recently wrote a Newsweek column that took Mike Huckabee to task over his comments on women's reproductive rights.

When Waxman announced his retirement this morning, Fluke tweeted out her expression of gratitude toward the outgoing liberal lion:

If Fluke decides to run, she'll be joining a potentially crowded field, which includes former L.A. City Controller and mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel, who just announced her candidacy for Waxman's seat. Waxman had long been considered unbeatable in California's 33rd, a highly Democratic area that includes parts of the Westside, Bel Air, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Now that he has retired, many Democratic hopefuls will undoubtedly flood the ballot.

Other candidates running for Waxman's seat include Independents Marianne Williamson, a spiritual book author, and Brent Roske, a film director.

Even as Fluke strongly considers running for Waxman's seat, at least she has her supporters on Twitter:

UPDATE 2/4: Sandra Fluke is taking the first few steps to officially announcing her congressional candidacy. The Washington Post is reporting that Fluke filed with California's Democratic Party to receive endorsements, as well as paid a fee to appear on the ballot. While this is not the same as announcing one's candidacy, it's a significant step for someone who is seriously exploring a run.

Related:
Fierce Liberal Rep. Henry Waxman To Retire After 40 Years In Congress