Lungren Sues to Take Office

Rep. Daniel E. Lungren (R-Long Beach) asked the state Supreme Court today to rule that he has been confirmed as state treasurer, even though the state Senate rejected his nomination. Lungren’s suit names Gov. George Deukmejian, who appointed Lungren to succeed the late Jesse Unruh, as a defendant, but the Republican governor said his attorney will support Lungren’s position.

“While I am named along with the controller, secretary of state, acting state treasurer and (Senate leader David A.) Roberti in this lawsuit I consider this to be a test case and I am fully supportive of Dan Lungren’s efforts to have this matter resolved,” Deukmejian said in a statement he read at a Capitol press conference. Deukmejian, saying he is concerned about the “fiscal implications” stemming from the political dispute over the confirmation, said he will not try to have Lungren sworn in as treasurer before the court case is decided.