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Podcasts Take Two
The end of the Waxman-Berman political machine
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Feb 11, 2013
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The end of the Waxman-Berman political machine
Sherman versus Berman was the biggest local political story in last Novembers election. The battle between two Westside Democrats who ended up running against each other because of redistricting.
Democratic Representative Howard Berman at the congressional race. Fellow candidate Rep. Brad Sherman surpassed Berman in the polls, 42 percent to 32 percent.
Democratic Representative Howard Berman at the congressional race. Fellow candidate Rep. Brad Sherman surpassed Berman in the polls, 42 percent to 32 percent.
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Grant Slater/KPCC
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U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).
U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).
(
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Sherman versus Berman was the biggest local political story in last Novembers election. The battle between two Westside Democrats who ended up running against each other because of redistricting.

Sherman versus Berman was the biggest local political story in last Novembers election. The battle between two Westside Democrats who ended up running against each other because of redistricting. In the end, Congressman Brad Sherman won the contest against his colleague, Howard Berman.

The defeat not only marked the end of Berman's 30-year congressional career, it was also the symbolic end for what was once the state's most powerful political machine. 

Reporter Shane Goldmacher has written about that machine in the National Journal, and he joins us now from Washington.