Bobbi Fiedler Campaign Ad

If Shakespeare were writing “Hamlet” today, rather than proclaim, “something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” he would proclaim, “something is rotten in the San Fernando Valley.” In their attempt to win the hearts and minds of the Republican Party, state Sen. Ed Davis of Valencia and Rep. Bobbi Fiedler of Northridge have engaged in a drama befitting “Dynasty” or “Dallas.”

The controversy surrounding Bobbi Fiedler’s indictment may have cost both her and Ed Davis any chance of winning the Republican senatorial nomination. However, dismissal of charges against her and her aide Paul Clarke provided her with an opportunity to vindicate herself.

But no sooner had she partially recovered from the wounds of her indictment than she shot herself in the foot. By airing ads that feature President Reagan saying (in 1984), “Do me a favor, on Election Day send Bobbi back to Washington,” Fiedler has once again come close to, if she has not already crossed, that fine line that distinguishes between what is legal/illegal and ethical/unethical.

Clarke’s charge that the ads are the audio equivalent of everyone having their picture with President Reagan in their brochure is absurd. Pictures with the President are a dime a dozen. A verbal endorsement from the President is rare and valuable. Either the Fiedler campaign’s intent was to purposely mislead voters, or they have bad judgment regarding proper conduct of a Senate campaign. In either case she is not deserving of the Republican nomination.

FRANK GERSTENBERGER

Los Angeles