Thanks for memories

Although former Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer lost her bid for a

congressional seat Tuesday, she’ll always have her memories. While

waiting for election results at her campaign headquarters, consultant

Harvey Englander presented Brewer with a framed photo of herself on

the steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and the slogan, “The

best man for the job ... is a woman.”

Now if she just had a congressional office to hang it in.

Locals get double

the campaign pitch

Some GOP voters in the 48th Congressional District got a double

dose of campaign rhetoric last weekend, when the Orange County Young

Republicans were out urging people to say yes to state Sen. John

Campbell for Congress and say no to an upcoming $282 million bond

issue for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

The 48th District Congressional election was Tuesday, and the bond

issue will be on the ballot for the Nov. 8 statewide special

election. Not many voters are aware the bond issue is coming up, but

the ones the young Republicans are talking to will likely vote

against it, said Orange County Young Republicans President Jeff

Corless.

“Typically what I’ve found is that constituents that oppose a bond

measure believe that the school district has enough money -- they’re

just not managing it appropriately,” he said.

Corless said the group will meet Monday to vote on taking an

official position against the school bond measure.

OCTA narrows field for Brewer replacement

Close on the heels of Brewer’s loss Tuesday, the Orange County

Transportation Authority will be voting to fill a vacancy she left as

one of two public members of the board.

Brewer resigned to pursue her Congressional campaign, and

transportation authority board Chairman Bill Campbell announced last

week the board’s executive committee has recommended former Costa

Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa and Scott Peotter of Newport Beach for the

spot.

The board is set to vote on a new public member Oct. 14.

Mansoor picks his

man for sheriff

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor has endorsed San Clemente Police

Chief Bill Hunt in his bid for the Orange County Sheriff’s post.

Hunt, a former deputy sheriff, is challenging Sheriff Mike Carona.

“Bill Hunt has the leadership and integrity that is necessary to

run the department in a way that is accountable to the public,” said

Mansoor, who has worked for the Sheriff’s department for 12 years.

“He has my full endorsement and full support, so whatever I can do

to get that message out I will do.”

Republicans take stand on propositions

Republican Assemblymen Todd Spitzer and Keith Richman on Monday

took sides on two of the eight ballot issues voters will see Nov. 8.

The politicians spoke at Newport Beach’s Pacific Club at a luncheon

for the Orange County chapter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.

Spitzer complained that a provision in Proposition 79 could allow

a slew of lawsuits to pour down the legal chute. Proponents of the

measure say it would use the state’s bargaining power to lower

prescription drug costs. Spitzer argued that a provision in the

measure would allow lawsuits against drug companies that charge

“unconscionable” prices.

Richman told the audience that legal liabilities account for 30 to

40% of medical costs, and he called Sacramento’s Democrats

“wholly-owned subsidiaries” of trial lawyers and public employee

unions. He added that the state needs major political reforms such as

Proposition 77, which would change the way the state’s legislative

districts are drawn.

NO REST FOR

THE REGISTRAR

With barely a moment to breathe after Tuesday’s special

congressional election, the Orange County Registrar of Voters also is

turning its attention to the Nov. 8 special election.

“We’ve already started our preparations and we’re getting to the

point where we’re about to send out sample ballots,” registrar

spokesman Brett Rowley said.

Sample ballots begin going out next week.

After Nov. 8, it’s on to the next elections -- a Dec. 6 special

general election for the 48th Congressional District, and a Dec. 13

special election to raise sales taxes in Laguna Beach to help pay for

landslide recovery.

* ALICIA ROBINSON covers government and politics. She may be

reached at (714) 966-4626 or by e-mail at

[email protected].

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-- Andrew Edwards contributed to this report.