Incumbents Prove Generous in Sharing War Chests

As the November general election approaches, state lawmakers representing the San Fernando Valley are almost as preoccupied with giving away their money as they are with collecting it, the latest campaign finance statements indicate.

In the six weeks ending June 30, area politicians donated more than $69,000 to candidates running for state and local offices from as far away as Alameda and Sacramento counties, and to other causes, according to statements made available this week.

The incumbents are probably feeling generous because most are expected to win their races in November handily. At least in the race for dollars, which often foreshadows the winner in legislative races, the incumbents have left their challengers in the dust.

Assemblyman Tom Bane (D-Van Nuys), for example, usually one of the Legislature’s top fund-raisers, reported having $497,030 for his reelection bid. In contrast, his opponent, Republican Brian K. Dennis, raised $636 during the last reporting period and had $306 left to spend.

Bane’s Donations Told

Since mid-May, Bane has donated $7,940 to Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) and the speaker’s political organization dedicated to helping Democratic legislative candidates win. He said he plans to donate more before November.

“Being part of the leadership, I’m expected to raise funds for those who can’t,” said Bane, assistant speaker pro tem of the Assembly.

Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Van Nuys), another formidable fund-raiser, also has left his opponent in the dust financially. Robbins had $325,000 in reserve and his Republican challenger, Lynn Robert Davis, Granada Hills businessman, reported raising no money during this period and said he had no cash on hand. Robbins donated $1,000 to Burbank City Councilwoman Mary Lou Howard and $3,000 to Nate Holden, a Board of Equalization candidate.

Democrats were by far the most generous--donating $54,000 to a variety of candidates.

Ironically, the biggest contributor among Valley Democrats was Terry Friedman, who is not even in office yet. Friedman, formerly executive director of a Westside legal services office, won the Democratic primary in the 43rd Assembly District, which includes part of the Valley and the Westside.

Friedman Heavily Favored

Friedman is heavily favored to win the election in the wealthy liberal district, long a Democratic stronghold. His opponents are Republican Marc Philip Schuyler and Peace and Freedom candidate John Honigsfeld. Neither filed a statement required from candidates who raise more than $500.

Friedman, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, already seems to be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, who have shared their wealth with less fortunate candidates.

Friedman contributed $15,000 to the campaign of Don Perata, who was elected a county supervisor in Alameda County in June. Perata was aided in his campaign by the political organization of U.S. Reps. Howard Berman (D-Panorama City) and Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles.)

On the Republican side, Assemblywoman Cathie Wright of Simi Valley donated $15,000 to Anna K. Allen, a Republican Assembly candidate from Bakersfield, who lost in the June 3 primary.

Figures Unavailable

The campaign finance report of Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks), said by his legislative staff to have given funds to other Republicans, was not available Tuesday. McClintock is expected to defeat challengers Frank Nekimken, a Democrat, and H. Bruce Driscoll, a Libertarian.

The only challenger in a Valley race who has raised a sizable amount of money is Robert F. Thoreson, a Los Angeles Police detective, who is trying for a second time to unseat Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Panorama City).

Republicans Vow to Help

Assembly Republicans have promised to help Thoreson with his campaign, and Gov. George Deukmejian will be the featured guest at one of his fund-raisers in September. Thoreson said he plans to raise $500,000 in the race, which is expected to be the most exciting one in the Valley this fall.

“We will have enough to communicate our message,” said Thoreson, who noted that much of his money will be spent on mailers.

Thoreson had raised $31,627 since mid-May and had saved $21,703. Katz received $50,172 during the same period and had $76,746 in the bank.

Katz was out of town and could not be reached for comment Tuesday. But Bane predicted that “Katz will get all the help he’ll need” to win.