THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE:

U.S. Rep. John Campbell recently garnered recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his business-friendly voting record.

“I appreciate the Chamber of Commerce for taking the time to recognize members of Congress who are committed to removing trade barriers and encouraging free enterprise,” Campbell said in a written statement.

The Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes outlined in its yearly publication “How They Voted.”

Campbell racked up a 70% ranking with the chamber last year and holds a cumulative 73% ranking during his tenure in Congress.

The award is based on key pro-business votes in Congress. Those members of Congress who support the chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes receive the award.

“Rep. Campbell has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans,” said Tom Donohue, chamber president and chief executive. “The chamber is grateful for John’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award.”

REP. DANA ROHRABACHER: DEBBIE COOK A ‘RICH KID’

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher has kept a mostly tight lip regarding the candidacy of Democratic challenger Debbie Cook, though he broke from his silence this week after it was revealed the Huntington Beach mayor and staunch environmentalist holds shares of oil giants like Shell Corp. and Exxon Mobil Corp.

“It’s clear that Debbie Cook is a rich kid, and I’m not,” he said. “Even if she’s raising nothing, rich kids can pump their own money into an election.

“I don’t fret about [her fundraising] because even if she didn’t raise it, she’s such a rich person she could pump it in herself.”

Rohrabacher made the remarks during an interview about the campaign’s first quarter fundraising figures, where he dismissed the significance of the $47,208.01 Cook raised to Rohrabacher’s $39,078.

Cook countered that media reports, which rely on public records that reflect only a possible range of stocks in her possession and not precise amounts, have grossly inflated her actual holdings.

“The newspapers have inflated my assets as much as 10 times,” she said. “You check a box on your 700 form and say you own $10,000 to $100,000 in stock…I can tell you all of my investments are in the lower end of that range.”

“I make basically nothing as a city council member,” she added.

TRAN FIXES LOTTERY

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assemblyman Van Tran’s bill Wednesday to resolve inconsistencies in the state’s lottery code and to allow lawmakers to continue using revenues from the program for educational funding.

The bill would allow winners to claim any winnings a year after the drawing, as opposed to earlier laws restricting the date to 180 days.

The move is intended to allow California to continue its participation in the multi-state “MEGA Millions” lottery. Other member states have a similar one-year due date for the bill. A judge ruled in 2006 that such a revision would be required and asked the commission to resolve the issue.

“I am pleased that AB 1251 received such strong support in the legislature, and was signed today by the governor,” said Joan Borucki, the director of the state lottery.

The California State Lottery Act provides that at least 34% of lottery sales must go to public education.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected]. CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].