WASHINGTON — At first glance, Barbara Boxer's decade-long career in Congress fits the profile of an entrenched liberal Democrat--the kind of politician considered vulnerable in a year when incumbents are sitting targets for an angry electorate.
Boxer was embarrassed by the House bank scandal this year and is rated a prolific legislative spender by a leading taxpayers organization. Her staff payroll is third-highest in the House and her attendance record ranks among the worst in Congress over the past two years since she announced her bid to become a California U.S. senator. And she artfully has used the power of incumbency to promote her campaign.
This is the "Year of the Woman," though, and Boxer is running a strong campaign as an "outsider" against Republican Bruce Herschensohn. Everywhere she goes, the Marin County Democrat vows to "shake up" a Senate that she says is out of touch.
In fact, a close examination of the Boxer record suggests that the 51-year-old lawmaker stands out in the 435-member House as a feisty combatant who is unafraid to challenge the status quo. She has produced impressive legislative results on some issues and pursued politically risky endeavors, including taking on some of the House's most influential Democratic leaders.
At the same time, critics say, Boxer is skilled at and preoccupied with generating publicity for herself. They also say she has grown quite comfortable as a member of the congressional club and an enthusiastic participant in the power and perks of office.
"I have raised some eyebrows," Boxer said in an interview. "I feel I've done what I set out to do. I went (to Washington) to make a change. I did some good work. Did I change the world with Bush and Reagan? Of course not. . . . Now I want to continue in the Senate. It could be just a wonderful experience."
As a legislator, Boxer has energetically pushed a liberal agenda: She has fought for increased AIDS research, federal funding for abortions, extensive bans on offshore oil drilling and animal rights. The book "Voting Green," a report card on congressional votes, listed Boxer and Sen. Al Gore (D-Tenn.), the Democratic vice presidential candidate, as the leading environmentalists on Capitol Hill. Boxer favors the creation of a national endowment for the homeless and was among the most vocal critics of the Persian Gulf War.
