S.D. Legislators Face Easy Ballot Opposition

The reelection bids of nine San Diego County legislators whose terms expire this year became official Wednesday, and all except one of them will likely face at least token opposition.

Republican Assemblyman Robert Frazee, the former Carlsbad mayor first elected to the Assembly in 1978, was the only one of the county’s state lawmakers to draw no opposition as the first major filing deadline for 1986 legislative races passed Wednesday.

Many of the challengers, however, are unknown political newcomers who will face uphill battles against incumbents with a combined 63 years of legislative experience.

In the 38th Senate District, the only candidate to challenge incumbent William Craven (R-Oceanside) in his bid for a third term was Libertarian Betsy A. Mill.

But three Republicans and two minor-party candidates filed for the 40th District Senate seat held by Democrat Wadie Deddeh, the dean of the county’s legislative delegation. Filing were Republicans William M. Hoover, Barry Jantz and Muriel Watson; Peace and Freedom Party candidate William Beard, and Libertarian Rich Duenez. Before being elected to the state Senate in 1982, Deddeh served 16 years in the Assembly.

Two-term Assemblywoman Sunny Mojonnier (R-Encinitas) filed in the 75th Assembly District, along with Peace and Freedom candidate Arnie Schoenberg.

Two-term Assemblyman Bill Bradley (R-San Marcos) filed in the 76th District, along with Democrats Robert D. White of Bonita and Alice Keyser of El Cajon, Peace and Freedom candidate Jill Thornsberry and Libertarian Daniel Muhe.

Three-term Assemblyman Larry Stirling (R-San Diego) and Democrat William A. Smelko of La Mesa were the only ones to file in the 77th District.

Two-term Assemblywoman Lucy Killea (D-San Diego) filed in the 78th District, along with Republican Earl Cantos Jr. and American Independent Party candidate Charles E. Ulmschneider.

Eight-term Assemblyman Peter Chacon (D-San Diego) filed in the 79th District, along with Republican Rev. Robert Ard, Libertarian Patrick J. Wright and Peace and Freedom candidate Bernice Wertheimer.

And, incumbent Assemblyman Steve Peace (D-Chula Vista) filed in the 80th District, along with Republicans Randolph A. Myrseth of National City and Tom DuBose and Albert J. Martin, both of Chula Vista.

The term of state Sen. Jim Ellis (R-San Diego) does not expire until 1988.