LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The censure of California Rep. Laura Richardson by the U.S. House last week may represent the final fall of a campaign that has been stumbling, observers say.
Richardson, a Democrat, was censured for requiring her congressional staff to do campaign work in violation of federal law, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The scolding came as fellow Democrat Janice Hahn gains ground in the 44th Congressional District, which has a large number African-American voters.
Richardson, who is black, lost in the June primary to Hahn, who is white, but they will face off again because in the state's primary system the top two candidates advance.
Hahn has been endorsed by the California Democratic Party.
A former rival in the race, Assemblyman Isadore Hall, has since come out for Hahn, as has Darren Parker, head of the state party's African American Caucus.
Hahn's campaign office has been busy sending out volunteers.
Richardson's office has been dark for two months, the phone unanswered, the report said.
Her latest campaign filings indicated she had $51,000 more cash than Hahn, but is $320,000 more debt.
Analysts say she could do better in the fall, when voting on a presidential race and state tax measures could draw more, and more diverse, voters. She's also known for her ability to understand complex issues and connects well with her constituents, they say.