County’s 5-Member House Delegation Is Considered the Most Conservative

You hear it from both Democrats and Republicans in Washington. California’s GOP delegation is the most conservative in the House of Representatives, and Orange County’s five congressmen, all Republicans, are the most conservative of that group.

Except for Rep. Robert K. Dornan, whose district is marginally Democratic in registration, the county’s congressmen--also including William E. Dannemeyer, Robert E. Badham, Daniel E. Lungren and Ron Packard--come from districts that are believed to be the most safely Republican in the United States.

But even if they share conservative views, the county’s Washington delegation sometimes splits on specific issues, such as offshore oil drilling. Despite their enthusiasm for budget cuts, some seek as much federal money as possible for their districts.

James McConnell, the county’s Washington lobbyist and a Republican, agreed that none of the congressmen are considered GOP heavyweights, although each has made his mark.

Dornan of Garden Grove is the best known--not for legislation but rather for his fiery oratory and unpredictable behavior.

Lungren, whose district straddles the Orange-Los Angeles County line, helped gain House approval two years ago for President Reagan’s anticrime legislation and the Simpson-Mazzoli immigration reform bill.

Badham of Newport Beach is regarded as an expert on high-tech weapons systems but has been criticized for his overseas travel at taxpayers’ expense, second only to one other congressman.

Dannemeyer of Fullerton is respected for doing his homework on economic issues but has been criticized by opponents for his extreme right-wing views and political inflexibility.

Packard--whose district straddles the Orange-San Diego county border--is considered a newcomer with promise, a freshman legislator who helped shepherd the $1.1-billion Santa Ana River flood control project through Congress.