CHALLENGER LEADS HAHN IN FUNDING : STEIN RAISES $524,000 FOR CITY ATTORNEY'S RACE.

Byline: Patrick McGreevy Daily News Staff Writer

Challenging the notion that incumbents have a fund-raising advantage, Encino attorney Ted Stein reported Tuesday he has raised $524,000 to run for Los Angeles city attorney next year.

That's more than twice the $225,000 that incumbent James Hahn's advisers say he had raised as of June 30. But they vowed that Hahn would have $1 million in his war chest before long.

``He'll have to raise a hell of a lot more money than that to beat James Hahn,'' said Hahn campaign consultant Bill Carrick.

``He (Stein) spent a year and a half doing nothing but raising money. He doesn't have a job,'' Carrick said. ``He's an unknown candidate trying to establish credibility. James Hahn is an activist city attorney acting on a lot of issues on a daily basis. He has more than a full-time job.''

Hahn did not return calls for comment.

But Stein, a former adviser to Mayor Richard Riordan and ex-president of the Airport Commission, said he is just getting started, and believes he will be able to raise $2 million for the primary.

``I think this will probably be the mostly hotly contested race for the office of city attorney that the city has ever seen,'' said Stein, who released his campaign spending statement well in advance of the July 31 deadline.

Political consultant Rick Taylor, who is not working for either candidate, said Stein's fund-raising lead for the period ending June 30 is ``stunning'' and is strong evidence that Hahn faces his toughest race yet as city attorney.

``Because of their position, incumbents are always able to raise more money than challengers,'' Taylor said. ``I assume this means there is some dissatisfaction with Hahn.''

Carrick predicted Hahn will raise $1 million for the primary, enough to campaign effectively and show that he has a good record as city attorney.

Hahn has not filed his campaign finance statement, which is not due until July 31.

Stein said Hahn has in the past enjoyed name recognition created by his father, former county Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, but that the early campaign fund raising is a sign that people are tired of the incumbent city attorney.

``People want change,'' Stein said of the message. ``They want new blood in that office. They want a new direction.''

Stein's statement released Tuesday shows a cross-section of support.

Contributors include current Airport Commission President Dan Garcia, Fire Commission President David Fleming, Parks Commissioner and lobbyist Lisa Specht, former deputy mayor Mike Keeley, mayoral adviser Steve Soboroff, Galaxy soccer team executive Daniel Villanueva, Arco Chairman Lodwrick Cook and Lockheed chairman emeritus Roy Anderson.

Stein also received $9,000 in contributions from Police Commissioner Bert Boeckmann, a Van Nuys car dealer, and his family.