Deukmejian Stumps for GOP Candidates

Gov. George Deukmejian on Wednesday urged San Joaquin Valley farmers to give hefty campaign donations to elect more Republican state legislators this fall in preparation for the redrawing of political districts that will follow the 1990 census.

In a speech to a $125-a-plate GOP fund-raising dinner, the governor said: “Our task is clear. We need to roll up our sleeves and go to work. And while we’re at it, let’s band together to send more Republicans to Washington, D.C.”

The Democrats control the Assembly by a 44-35 margin over the Republicans with one vacancy, and the Senate by a 24-15 margin with one independent.

Redrawing District Lines

The political party in charge of the Assembly and Senate is expected to redraw legislative district lines based on the census figures that will help keep it in power until 2000.

Democrats have controlled both houses of the Legislature for years and have routinely realigned Assembly and Senate districts to their own advantage. Several years ago, Republicans set for themselves the goal of controlling at least one house by 1990.

The Democrats also enjoy a 27-18 vote advantage in the California congressional delegation.

Deukmejian said the census is expected to give the state five additional congressional seats, “and with your hard work, we can put them in the Republican column as well.”

Assembly Republican leader Pat Nolan of Glendale and Senate GOP leader Ken Maddy of Fresno also were on hand for the dinner.

“With your help, we will be victorious in November,” Deukmejian told an estimated 500 guests.