THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE:

The Newport Harbor Republican Women set up a local party headquarters every two years during election season, and now they’re kicking their campaigning efforts into high gear.

Immediately after the Republican National Convention last week, Lee Frodsham, the headquarters’ manager, bought 25 campaign buttons, which she says were snapped up in a few hours.

The Republican Women ordered 100 more.

There’s also heavy demand for McCain/Palin yard signs and bumper stickers, and Frodsham said she expects the first delivery to come in soon.

“As you know the energy has been unbelievable. People are really anxious to get McCain/Palin signs.”

At the headquarters a handful of staff members walk precincts and conduct phone banks, trying to get people out to vote for the Republican nominees for office.

After a few months of campaigning, the volunteers pack up shop the day after the general election.

The headquarters is at 4030 Birch St., Suite 105. For more information, call (949) 955-1421.

Cook wins group’s support with activism

Democracy for America, a national political-action committee dedicated to electing progressive government representatives, has endorsed Democratic congressional challenger Debbie Cook in her race against longtime incumbent Rep. Dana Rohrabacher.

The organization touted her environmental activism to preserve the local coastline and stop dumping into the ocean, and her focus and expertise in alternative energy as reasons for the group’s support.

Rep. praises hotline for wounded vets

Rohrabacher, meanwhile, is hailing the creation of a new national resource hotline for wounded war veterans.

Rohrabacher wants to publicize it so it can be utilized by local servicemen and women.

Service members and their families can call (800) 342-9647 or e-mail [email protected]24 hours a day to get referrals for help with medical care, benefit information and local facilities.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].