STARR TESTIMONY CHALLENGES VALLEY-AREA CONGRESSMEN.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

They have a front seat at history in the making and, for three San Fernando Valley-area legislators, it is proving to be a serious challenge.

Republicans Elton Gallegly of Oxnard and James Rogan of Pasadena, and Democrat Howard Berman of Panorama City each serve on the House Judiciary Committee that continued the impeachment hearings of President Clinton on Thursday with the questioning of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr.

``It is very intense,'' Gallegly said in a telephone interview.

``One of the most important things we have to remember is the historic nature of this and what the impact will be in the future. It is not just a case against William Jefferson Clinton. It is a case that could be setting precedents for cases involving presidents 100 years from now.''

Berman said through an aide that he would not be discussing any aspects of the hearing while it is occurring.

During the hearing, Berman limited his questioning to whether Starr had asked a federal grand jury to review or sign off on the impeachment report. Starr said he had not requested the jury to do that.

Rogan, a former judge, said he was concerned that the impeachment inquiry make sure that no rights or liberties are lost.

At the same time, Rogan pressed Starr on whether the president could be charged with perjury for saying he didn't recall certain information during a deposition.

In response, Starr said a perjury charge could be made if it was determined the president did know the information.

But the hearings also presented Rogan with a personal problem.

In an afternoon interview on National Public Radio, Rogan bemoaned the length of time the hearing was taking and the impact on his marriage. Thursday was his 10th anniversary and Rogan didn't want to miss a planned dinner with his wife.

Gallegly added he was not sure how the American public was receiving the hearing.

``It's a completely different world in the hearing room,'' Gallegly said. ``During the morning, I took a break and watched it on TV and it looks entirely different.''

He said he hoped the hearing would find a bipartisan conclusion, but he said it appeared as though many of the members had made their decision.

``We must ensure that whatever we do will stand up to historical scrutiny, for what we do is likely to be a model for the future,'' Gallegly said.