Judge David O. Carter, who is running...

Judge David O. Carter, who is running for the Democratic nomination in the 38th Congressional District, will speak at a fund-raiser for a Santa Ana citizens group Wednesday.

Assemblyman Richard Robinson, Carter’s opposition in the June 3 primary, was originally invited to speak at the $15-per-person reception at Camelot Restaurant but pulled out last week after learning that the event was a fund-raiser.

The citizens group, Santa Ana Merged Society of Neighbors (SAMSON), is sponsoring a proposition on the June 3 ballot--Measure C--that would set up ward elections and provide for the direct election of the mayor. Robinson is supported by Mayor Dan Griset and two other Santa Ana council members, all of whom oppose the proposed changes.

Carter, who accepted the invitation Wednesday, said he hasn’t taken a position on Measure C and his appearance doesn’t indicate an endorsement.

“As I understand it, I’ll be talking to them about grass-roots political movements,” he said, pointing out that the society is made up a diverse number of groups, including city firefighters, opponents of a North Santa Ana traffic reduction plan and a Latino immigrants’ rights organization.

Incumbent Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) also has agreed to speak to the group. He will appear at a $50-a-plate fund-raising dinner on May 24, also at the Camelot Restaurant in Santa Ana. A Dornan spokesman said the congressman has also not decided whether to take a position on Measure C.