Schabarum Considered for Treasurer Job

Gov. George Deukmejian said Thursday that one of the candidates he is considering for state treasurer is Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete Schabarum, while sources said that another possible nominee is Republican consultant Angela M. Buchanan, former U.S. treasurer.

Both candidates are conservative Republicans and for that reason would likely come under fire during confirmation hearings by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

But each also has pluses that could help win confirmation. Deukmejian’s first nominee for treasurer, Rep. Daniel E. Lungren, a Republican from Long Beach, was approved by the Assembly but rejected by the Senate.

Schabarum, whose conservative policies on the Board of Supervisors have angered numerous Democrats, is a former assemblyman who could trade on old loyalties. And although Deukmejian would be allowed to fill a vacancy on the board, should it occur, Democrats have long coveted Schabarum’s seat and might look favorably on anything that would remove the well-entrenched incumbent from the county post.

In Los Angeles, Schabarum said he would like the job and will soon make a formal approach to Deukmejian. The supervisor said there have already been “a few visits” regarding his potential appointment, but he did not elaborate.

Buchanan, the sister of conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, served two years as treasurer of the United States under President Reagan. She is a partner in a Huntington Beach political consulting firm, Buchanan & Campbell. Her nomination would blunt criticism against Deukmejian for having appointed few women to high posts.

The vacancy in the treasurer’s job was created by the death last August of Jesse M. Unruh, a Democrat. Deukmejian, during an interview with Times reporters Thursday, said he might be ready to announce his choice in a week or two. He said he was considering about 20 candidates. Many are legislators, but Deukmejian appeared to be laying the foundation for going outside of the Legislature for a nominee.

“There is a high risk that we could lose the seat of an incumbent legislator if that person were to be selected,” he said.