Katherine Porter and David Min
Not one, but two different UC Irvine Law professors are running for Congress — and for the same seat to boot. Both Katherine Porter — whose legal expertise is in bankruptcy law — and David Min — who specializes in financial markets regulation and banking law — have announced they will be challenging Republican incumbent, Mimi Walters, who represented California’s 45th district.
According to Law.com, Porter threw her hat in the political ring first, with Min following just two days later. The colleagues seem to be taking this political quirk in stride, focusing on the positives:
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“We talk, but we don’t really talk about this,” Min said of his and Porter’s political aspirations. “In some ways, I think it’s exciting to have two people with good credentials for this.”
And while casual observers might expect this situation could make staff meetings tense, those who are actually at the law school don’t foresee any trouble:
“I don’t expect it to make anything awkward,” [Irvine Law professor Rick Hasen] said. “We all get along and are all professionals. I hope it will generate more student interest in congressional elections.”
The district the law professors are fighting to represent is one that is historically Republican, but it is one of 23 Congressional districts with GOP representatives that voted for Hillary Clinton. So the professors smell opportunity:
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“It used to be the case that this was deep red territory,” Min said. “I think it would be a mistake for people to think this is Downtown Los Angeles, where you have 24 Democrats running to see who will win the race. I think Mimi Walters is a very problematic representative—I think she’s done a poor job of representing the interests of the district. Nevertheless, I think she’ll present a formidable campaign.”
Focusing on their common adversary is probably the best way to keep the peace at the law school.
Kathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).