Ford Radio Ad Boosts Hope as 21st-District Vote Draws Near

Former President Gerald R. Ford has jumped into the 21st Congressional District race by recording a radio advertisement, to be aired on stations beginning today, endorsing fellow Republican Tony Hope.

During his presidency, Ford appointed Hope as financial vice president of the Overseas Development Corp., which dealt with international lending authorities such as the World Bank.

“Tony did such a fine job for the country that I’m endorsing a congressional candidate in a contested primary,” Ford says in the ad. “I know Tony Hope has the experience to get things done for the people of his district.”

With the primary just six days away, Hope, a Washington lawyer with connections to national GOP figures, is locked in a close battle with Simi Valley Mayor Elton Gallegly for the GOP nomination. The race’s wild card is Tom La Porte, a Thousand Oaks stockbroker and political newcomer, who is expected to siphon votes away from Gallegly.

Winning Tuesday’s primary in the heavily Republican district is tantamount to winning the election.

Wait for Final Push

Hope, the son of comedian Bob Hope, who is a friend of Ford’s, received the former President’s endorsement early in the race. But the candidate’s campaign staff decided not to capitalize on it until voter interest was at its peak. Many voters ignore political campaigns until they are almost over.

In this race, an unusually high number of voters remain uncommitted--polls indicate that up to 40% have not chosen a favorite.

“Campaigns are made and lost in the last 10 days to two weeks when you have a large undecided vote,” said Milan Radovich, Hope’s press spokesman.

La Porte said he thinks the Ford ad is “going to be really hard to overcome. I think Gerald Ford has a pretty positive image with Republicans.”

Ben Key, Gallegly’s campaign consultant, said he had expected Hope to flaunt the Ford endorsement at the last minute. When asked if the former President’s support would enhance Hope’s chances, he said: “That’s up to the people to decide.”

Meanwhile, radio stations have begun airing Gallegly’s new commercials, which include glowing comments from some of the many local elected officials who have endorsed him.

In one commercial, state Energy Commission Chairman Charles R. Imbrecht, a former assemblyman from Ventura, praises Gallegly for his “honest, conservative, common-sense approach” to government. And Ventura County Dist. Atty. Mike Bradbury promises that the mayor will lead the fight against crime.

La Follette Backing

In a second ad tailored for Los Angeles listeners, Assemblywoman Marian W. La Follette (R-Northridge) calls Gallegly a “man of principals and integrity.”

The tone of the ads from both camps has softened considerably. Two weeks ago, the two candidates were airing vitriolic spots aimed at each other. They are continuing their rancorous exchanges in mailings, however.

La Porte is continuing his radio campaign featuring positive statements about him from local residents, newspaper articles and Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks).