Bates’ Victory Is Pyrrhic as Political Vultures Hover

Beset by charges of sexual harassment, Rep. Jim Bates (D-San Diego) has not seen the last of his political problems despite his victory Tuesday over the earnest but unknown Rob Butterfield.

Political operatives are already looking toward the 1990 primary--on the theory that Bates will be further weakened either by an official House inquiry into the charges or by more stories in the press.

Among the Democrats whose names are being floated: City Councilman Wesley Pratt, former Councilman William Jones and Assemblyman Steve Peace. Councilman Bob Filner, a former Bates aide, says he’s foursquare behind his old boss, but that hasn’t prevented others from throwing Filner’s name into the discussion.

On the Republican side, Fair Board member and nurseryman Ray Saatjian admits an interest in 1990. Butterfield may also run again.

“The Democrat primary will be a feeding frenzy,” said one consultant. Democrats lead in registration 56% to 33%.

Bates, a liberal who scratched his way from doughnut salesman to congressman with layovers at the council and Board of Supervisors, is said to be so depressed over his political future that he was on the verge of tears while explaining his recent troubles to a longtime acquaintance.

To make matters worse, on election eve a prankster pinned brassieres and panties to several Bates signs visible from freeways.

Harmonious Relations

Now that’s glasnost.

Among the more enthusiastic members of the audience as President Reagan made a last stump speech Monday outside San Diego City Hall: musicians from the State Symphony Orchestra of the Soviet Union.

The orchestra had played the Civic Theatre on Sunday night and remained in San Diego for a day of tourism Americana, including, as it turned out, a presidential farewell. The musicians, their KGB escorts and the U. S. Secret Service detail advancing Reagan’s visit were all booked in the same hotel.

Election Recollections

Here are some memorable moments from the recently departed campaign:

Best quote from a controversial political consultant:

“Oh no, deja sue.” Uttered by Jim Johnston after receiving a letter last month from attorney Michael Thorsnes, who filed a libel-slander suit in 1984 over a campaign handled by Johnston’s firm.

Best evidence that there is no logic in politics: The Rancho Santa Fe Assn. In the ancestral home of controlled growth (where a restrictive land covenant has held sway for 60 years), you might figure to find some sentiment for growth measures designed for the county’s less-affluent areas. Wrong.

The RSF governing board opposed Proposition D and took no position on Proposition B, despite a staff recommendation to support B, which was sponsored by the Board of Supervisors.

Lighter-than-air press release:

From Assembly challenger Steve Baldwin: “In a mock election today at Hilltop High (in Chula Vista), students gave a major boost to the campaign of Assembly challenger Steve Baldwin by overwhelmingly supporting him over incumbent Steve Peace.”

So much for major boosts. In the real election, Peace handily beat the former Young American for Freedom.

Most Telling Show-and-Tell by a Losing Candidate:

North County congressional aspirant Howard Greenebaum, who summoned reporters to his Leucadia condominium early in the campaign to distribute pictures of his placing a cup of donkey dung on the desk of a Maryland newspaper editor.

Greenebaum wanted to refute charges that he had acted like a burro after a failed attempt for Congress in Maryland a few years ago. The picture was meant to prove that the dung never really soiled the desk.

Thanks a lot, Howard.