BERMAN MAY TAKE RUN AT MAYOR'S JOB.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

Rep. Howard Berman, D-Mission Hills, confirmed Friday that he is considering challenging Mayor Richard Riordan for re-election next year - a move that would pit the incumbent mayor against a popular San Fernando Valley congressman with proven fund-raising skills.

Berman said he expects to make a decision within two months. While refraining from criticizing Riordan directly, Berman said there have been "problem areas" in the administration, including the Police Department.

"I've been concerned about crime," Berman said. "(Riordan) has put the money in the budget, but I'm not sure it's getting down to where it's needed."

Berman, who is seeking re-election to an eighth term in Congress this year, said the final decision on whether to run for mayor will hinge on where he can make the biggest impact.

"It's a question of what I can do for the city, and whether I can do it better here or in Washington," Berman said following a Public Policy Series breakfast at the Biltmore Hotel before 75 political activists and community leaders.

Riordan declined to comment Friday on Berman's exploration of a challenge, which has been rumored for weeks.

"So far, there has been speculation about a lot of candidates," Riordan said.

Political analysts said Berman could pose a formidable challenge to Riordan, a Republican in a city with a Democratic majority.

As a congressman and a state legislator, Berman has represented both the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. His brother Michael Berman is a partner in the influential Berman D'Agostino political consulting firm, and, along with Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, Berman has been successful at raising money and support for Democratic candidates and causes.

"So, he could put together a significant base," said Democratic political consultant Richard Lichtenstein.

However, Lichtenstein and others said Riordan still enjoys the advantages of a well-financed incumbent. Riordan has raised $1.8 million, and has a personal fortune estimated at up to $100 million to draw on in his campaign. In 1993, he spent $6 million of his own money to win.

"While the mayor might have problems in some parts of the city, he's still pretty popular," Lichtenstein said.

Even so, Berman could draw some key Valley constituencies away from Riordan, said political scientist Sherry Bebitch Jeffe.

"Berman gives liberal and moderate Democrats a place to move and he would change the dynamics considerably," Jeffe said. "He could draw from the Valley and Jewish communities - the two voting groups that were critical to Riordan."

City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas - also toying with the idea of running against Riordan - said he would consider abandoning his own mayoral ambitions if Berman were to run.

That would help clear the way for Berman to put together two major constituencies - the San Fernando Valley and South Central Los Angeles, where Ridley-Thomas is a major force.

"(Berman) would be a considerable opponent," Ridley-Thomas said. "He's a longtime political figure. He can activate a political apparatus. He has reason to be able to draw from throughout the city and would have allies. One would assume he would do well in the (San Fernando) Valley and the rest in south and east Los Angeles."

Jeffe said such "coalition politics" have worked in the past, particularly in the election of former Mayor Tom Bradley - who put together South Central and the Westside to defeat incumbent Sam Yorty.

Marvin Selter, chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, said Riordan and Berman are both widely popular in the business community, and he predicted a "lot of mixed feelings" among members of his group.

"They're both good friends of VICA," said Selter, who described himself as close to Berman personally.

"I think Riordan has tried. Whether he has been forceful enough, we have to take a hard look at," Selter said. "Riordan has been pro-business. A lot of things that business is in favor of, like one-step permitting, he's been supportive of."

Wayne Adelstein, VICA vice-chairman, said that many business owners believe Riordan has taken the right direction.

While VICA does not endorse candidates for public office, Adelstein said, "I'm not sure I see a need for change personally."

PROFILE Howard Berman

Age: 54

Home: North Hollywood

Current position: Congressman, 26th District, seeking re-election to an eighth term.

Past positions: Five terms in the California Assembly.

Noted for:Pushing for federal reimbursement of states' incarceration costs for illegal immigrants; seeking 4,000 more border patrol officers; an $8.6 billion emergency aid package after the Northridge Earthquake; keeping the U.S. participating in United Nations-led peacekeeping operations; active role in foreign affairs, particularly in regard to Israel; the first to call for sanctions against Iraq.

Education: Law degree from UCLA

Family: Married, two children.

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Photo (color) Howard Berman Plans decision in 2 months Box PROFILE (see text)