Bork Stumps for Cox in Race for Badham’s Seat

Former U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Robert H. Bork Wednesday gave a boost to Newport Beach lawyer C. Christopher Cox’s campaign in the 40th Congressional District by appearing at a series of events on Cox’s behalf.

“I’m enormously grateful to Chris,” Bork told a group of about 400 of Cox’s supporters at a $250-per-person reception under a tent at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

Bork cited the role of Cox, then senior assistant White House counsel, in the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings on Bork’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Though the nomination ultimately failed, Bork said Cox “worked long hours and strove brilliantly in the struggle for my confirmation.”

“Long after we knew the battle was lost, Chris was coming up with ideas to turn the whole thing around,” Bork said.

Cox is one of nearly a dozen candidates, all but one of whom are Republicans, vying for the seat held by Rep. Robert E. Badham, (R-Newport Beach), who is retiring.

Bork said Cox, 35, “has the correct vision of what America needs” and will help promote the conservative goals of President Reagan.

“Not all Republicans, as we know to our chagrin, are vigorous, intelligent or are Reaganites,” Bork said. “Chris Cox is all of those things.”

Bork also appeared at a $1,000-per-person dinner for about 60 Cox supporters and spoke at a rally staged as Bork arrived at John Wayne Airport.