Los Angeles Rep. Diane Watson declines to endorse successor

But Watson had at least one surprise up her sleeve -- she declined to endorse a candidate to succeed her, raising eyebrows among the many political observers who expected her to back state Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles).

Instead, Watson said she expected a spirited race to succeed her in California's 33rd Congressional District -- encompassing one of the most economically and ethnically diverse areas in the nation -- and wanted to interview as many candidates as possible before making a choice.

"I will endorse a candidate I feel will represent all of us," said Watson, who also said she hoped Bass would run.

Turning to the two dozen or so community leaders who flanked her during her announcement, Watson said: "We have many bright, capable, experienced young people ready to serve, and I will make way for one of them to come take my place."

Watson, 76, said she would finish her term, which runs to the end of the year, but wants to spend more time with her 100-year-old mother, who recently broke her hip.

Bass, who must leave the Assembly at the end of the year because of term limits, is widely expected to seek Watson's seat. She did not attend the news conference. But she issued a statement praising Watson, saying "her tireless work has improved the lives [of] many" and calling her a mentor who first encouraged her to run for the Legislature.