He Shows Determination in Speech to L.A. Fund-Raiser : ‘Going Forward With Gusto,’ Reagan Says of Agenda

President Reagan, in one of the first major public appearances since his cancer surgery six weeks ago, asserted here Thursday that his Administration is as determined as ever to proceed with its political agenda.

In a speech to a California Republican Party fund-raiser at the Century Plaza, the President made what appeared to be an effort to ward off speculation that his Administration might lose political steam in the wake of his illness and recent battles with Congress. He insisted: “We’re going forward with confidence and gusto. And we’re not about to stop till we get the job done.”

The speech touched on issues ranging from tax reform to the Administration’s proposed strategic defense initiative in outer space to policy in Central America.

In this, the only official appearance scheduled during his three-week California vacation, Reagan reinforced the messages that his tough-talking top aides have been spreading.

In recent days, Administration officials have insisted that they will hold a tight rein on congressional spending this fall. On foreign policy matters, they have announced a new round of anti-satellite weapons tests and have accused the Soviets of using potentially harmful chemicals on U.S. diplomats whose movements they want to track.

Turning to California matters, Reagan warned contenders in what promises to be a tough Republican Senate primary to determine who will challenge California Democratic Sen. Alan Cranston next year: “Have a spirited primary, but don’t campaign against each other. Campaign against the incumbent.”

With GOP strategists saying that Cranston could be vulnerable, the field is rapidly being crowded with potential Republican challengers. Among them are Rep. Bobbi Fiedler of Northridge, Assemblyman Robert W. Naylor of Menlo Park, state Sen. Ed Davis of Valencia, Rep. Daniel E. Lungren of Long Beach, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Rep. William E. Dannemeyer of Fullerton, Los Angeles radio and television commentator Bruce Herschensohn, Rep. Ed Zschau of Los Altos, economist Arthur B. Laffer and former actor Fess Parker.

While Reagan spoke, more than 500 protesters paraded outside. They were kept across the Avenue of the Stars by about two dozen mounted policemen.

One of the organizers, Andrew Liberman, said that the Reagan Protest Coalition included those who oppose apartheid in South Africa, Reagan policies in Central America and his stand on abortion. “The focus of our protest is to demand food for the human race, not the arms race, and to embargo South Africa, not Nicaragua,” Liberman said.

A smaller group of about 50 Reagan supporters demonstrated separately.