Kiernik Pulls Out of 40th Race, Endorses Cox

The field in the Republican primary for the 40th Congressional District dwindled to nine candidates on Tuesday as Adam Kiernik of Huntington Beach withdrew and endorsed attorney C. Christopher Cox.

Kiernik became the third GOP candidate in two days to drop out of the race, and the second to back Cox, a Newport Beach resident. On Tuesday, Peer Swan of Tustin withdrew and endorsed Cox, while Kathleen Latham of Irvine dropped out and backed Nathan Rosenberg, a Newport Beach businessman.

Cox, Rosenberg and Irvine City Councilman C. David Baker are the leading candidates in Tuesday’s primary. Because registered Republicans hold a 2-1 edge over Democrats, the winner of the primary is almost a shoo-in to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Robert E. Badham (R-Newport Beach.)

Speaking to reporters at Cox’s campaign headquarters in Newport Beach, Kiernik said he did not consider himself a “quitter.”

“Reality dictates that one of only three candidates in the race has a chance,” he said.

A fervent anti-communist, Kiernik said Cox has “the ability, knowledge and experience” to best serve the district, which stretches from Fountain Valley to Newport Beach to Laguna Hills. “Cox is truly committed to our mutual cause,” Kiernik said.

During the campaign, Kiernik, who spent less than $25,000 on his candidacy, often impersonated sportscaster Howard Cosell and former President Jimmy Carter to attract attention.