FPPC’s Stanford Resigns, May Challenge Cory

Dan Stanford, chairman of the state Fair Political Practices Commission, ended a month-long leave of absence by resigning Thursday--and then hinted that he may run for state controller next year.

Stanford, a Republican, indicated during an interview that he is seriously considering a race against three-term Democratic Controller Ken Cory. His comments came while responding to charges by former FPPC Chairman Dan Lowenstein, a Democrat, that Stanford’s unpaid, 30-day leave had been illegal.

Stanford dismissed Lowenstein merely as being a Cory partisan, contending the charges were made “for obvious political purposes.”

Testing the Waters

The 35-year-old Stanford took the leave last month to test the waters for a potential political candidacy, saying he was looking at a handful of possible races. On Thursday, Stanford said he had been urged by many people to run for controller, but he generally played it coy about any political plans, stating that he was preparing a formal announcement for Monday.

Stanford’s letter of resignation to Gov. George Deukmejian, who appointed him as commission chairman in 1983, strongly hinted at political activity, saying he looked forward to being “directly involved” next year “in the debate over California’s future and leadership in this state.” He also said he was joining the law firm of Lillick, McHose & Charles in San Diego.

Last month, Stanford conceded that his politically oriented leave might be criticized because of his position as the state’s chief political watchdog. His anticipation was correct. Soon afterward, Lowenstein challenged the legality of the leave in a private letter to the attorney general’s office.

Reform Law Cited

Lowenstein, now a UCLA law professor who helped draft the Political Reform Act of 1974 and was named the FPPC’s first chairman by former Democratic Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., insisted that what Stanford did was illegal. He cited a provision of the political reform law that prohibits an FPPC member from holding office or seeking election to another public office during his or her tenure on the commission.

In an interview, Lowenstein said Thursday that even though Stanford is not yet a formal candidate, his actions in soliciting advice and support were “all part and parcel of running for office.”

Stanford, in announcing his leave, reported that he had consulted with the attorney general’s office and “received the blessing of the governor.”

Considered Gray Area

Chief Asst. Atty. Gen. Richard D. Martland, whom Stanford had consulted, said on Thursday that the FPPC chairman had not informed him of the nature of his leave. Had he known the leave was for political purposes, Martland said, he would have cautioned Stanford that he was venturing into a gray area of the law.

But Martland added that although he has received several anonymous complaints about alleged questionable political activities by Stanford during the leave, he has no evidence of any illegality. “If he had accepted or solicited contributions he has a problem,” Martland said.

Stanford insisted he had stayed within the law. “I have not sought or received political contributions,” he said. “The (Political Reform) Act covers candidates. It does not prohibit anyone from discussing the possibility of a candidacy, nor could it under the First Amendment.

“I took the leave of absence out of an overabundance of caution to avoid even the possible appearance of any conflict.’

Angry but Flattered

Reacting specifically to Lowenstein’s charges, Stanford asserted: “I deeply resent this groundless personal attack being orchestrated by Ken Cory, but I’m flattered that he (Cory) and his political advisers are so threatened by the mere possibility of my candidacy that they are already attacking me.”

Stanford drew the connection to Cory because Lowenstein in the past has provided legal representation before the commission for political consultants Michael Berman and Carl D’Agostino, who over the years have been Cory advisers. D’Agostino is Cory’s former chief deputy.

Lowenstein said he has never talked to Cory about Stanford. However, Lowenstein said he did mention his concerns about Stanford to D’Agostino.

Cory said through a spokesman that he currently has no formal relationship with either Berman or D’Agostino.