Cox to face GOP challengers

Paul Clinton

NEWPORT BEACH -- Two brave Republican souls have decided to take on

Rep. Chris Cox in the March primary.

Cox, who represents Newport Beach, is the fifth-highest ranking member

of the House of Representatives and has held his seat since 1988.

One of those challengers, David Cobert, a building manager at an

architectural firm, said he believes it’s time for a fresh face to

represent the 48th District.

“To me, I see entrenched incumbents,” Cobert said. “In my opinion,

public service is public service. You serve, and you move on.”

Cobert, who has never held an elected office, lives in Laguna Niguel.

He said it has always been his dream to hold a seat in Congress.

Cobert is joined in the race to unseat Cox by Dave Forman, a

television producer who lives in San Clemente. Forman did not return

calls for comment.

When the state Legislature redrew the boundaries of state and federal

districts in the fall, Cox’s district was extended southward.

Cox was traveling and could not be reached for comment.

Cobert and Forman will battle Cox for the March 5 primary. The winner

will advance to the November primary to face Democrat John Graham and

Libertarian Joe Michael Cobb in one of the most rock-ribbed Republican

districts in the state.

Of the 351,020 voters on record, about 52.78%, or 185,254, are

Republicans and 27.58%, or 96,798, are Democrats. The remaining 20% or so

are registered to other parties or declined to state.

Graham, who lives in Irvine, unsuccessfully challenged Cox in 2000,

pulling in 30% of the vote. Graham is a graduate professor of management

at UC Irvine.

Graham said he is enthusiastic about the campaign. He said the other

Republican challengers could challenge the congressman on his track

record.

“The main point is that Christopher Cox’s record is going to get more

examining than in the past,” Graham said. “I don’t think most people

realize he’s an ultraconservative. He comes off as a moderate.”

So far, Cox has raised $544,139.39 for the campaign. By comparison,

Graham has only $47.07 in his war chest.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

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