Local News in Brief : McClintock Denounces Proposition 51 Mailer

Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) on Sunday angrily disavowed a slate mailer financed largely by foes of Proposition 51, the “deep-pockets” initiative, listing him and other prominent Ventura County Republican candidates.

The mailer urges voters to cast ballots for a collection of propositions and candidates--some of whom paid to be listed. It includes a disclaimer in fine print stating that inclusion on the mailer does not imply support or opposition by anyone named for any other candidates, or for the stands on the ballot measures.

The brochure sent to Ventura County Republicans was tailored to include several county officials.

Last week, the brochure triggered an angry reaction by Gov. George Deukmejian’s campaign director, Larry Thomas, who labeled it a gross “misrepresentation” because the governor is a major supporter of Proposition 51.

McClintock has also urged voters to approve the initiative, which would limit liability for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, to a defendant’s degree of blame in lawsuits involving more than one defendant.

McClintock, who is running for reelection to his 36th District Assembly seat against a relative unknown, Paul J. Hamel, said the listing of his name was “absolutely unauthorized and one of the sleaziest tactics that I’ve ever seen in a campaign.”