Hope Jokes at $500,000 Antonovich Fund-Raiser

In recent years, entertainer Bob Hope has rarely performed at political fund-raisers, except for his good friend President Reagan.

But on Tuesday night, Hope made an exception. He cracked jokes at a $500,000 fund-raiser for Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, who is fighting against former Supervisor Baxter Ward for his political life.

Hope said he appeared at the $500-a-plate affair because Antonovich is one of his favorite politicians. But some of Antonovich’s critics--who protested outside the Bonaventure on Tuesday night--suggested an ulterior motive.

They say that Hope will need the Board of Supervisors’ approval for a road through the western edge of the county to ensure the development of 1,500 to 1,600 homes and a golf course on the comedian’s property in Ventura County.

Access Road

The controversial Jordan Ranch project must be approved by Ventura County supervisors, but the developer wants to build an access road to the Ventura Freeway through a portion of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Los Angeles County supervisors would have to approve the road.

In an interview, Hope insisted that he is not currying favor with Antonovich to obtain a favorable vote from the board.

“That’s Baxter Ward probably saying that,” he said. “It’s not true.”

Ward, who opposes the road, has turned Hope’s appearance into a campaign issue. At a debate last month, Ward said, “He is entertaining at Mr. Antonovich’s fund-raiser . . . I think with a purpose in mind.”

At the same debate, Antonovich said “adequate roads” are needed in the area and he promised that he would work with the community to reach an environmentally sound decision if Ventura County approves the housing development.

Antonovich’s chief aide, Tom Silver, said Tuesday night that the supervisor will not make a decision about the road project until it comes before the board.

Hope has contributed $3,700 to Antonovich’s campaign since June. Until then, Hope had not donated any money to any supervisor or Los Angeles city councilman since at least 1984, campaign records indicate. Hope has donated more to Antonovich than to Republicans on a national level in recent years.

Hope, who said he is hosting a fund-raising party for Republican presidential candidate George Bush later this week, scoffed at the idea that he needs any favors from politicians.

“There is really nothing they can do for me,” Hope said.

In explaining why he volunteered to help Antonovich, Hope said, “I like him very well. I’ve known him quite awhile.”

Then he added jokingly, “He is a softball pitcher. Softball and politics go hand in hand--they are both underhanded.”

Sang Song

Hope said his usual fee for a one-hour appearance is $60,000 to $75,000. Tuesday, he performed for 11 minutes after dinner, at no charge, and his wife, Dolores, sang a song.

Hope poked fun at Antonovich, Reagan and other politicians during his appearance. Of Antonovich, he said, “Someone told me Mike is a Croatian. I don’t care what planet he’s from, he’s a heck of a supervisor. We need him in office.”

Referring to the series of debates between Ward and Antonovich, Hope said: “Mike’s afraid to go in the men’s room. He’s afraid Baxter might be in there to debate him.”