Sacramento

Gov. George Deukmejian Thursday called for a special primary election Aug. 8 to fill the vacant seat of Assemblyman Bill Bradley (R-Escondido), who died last week of cancer.

If no candidate garners more than 50% of the vote in the primary, a general election will be held Oct. 3, according to Deukmejian’s proclamation.

The governor was required to call the special election when Bradley, 70, died June 1 after a nearly four-year illness. Respected for his candor, Bradley was a low-keyed legislator who often battled environmentalists and the state Coastal Commission over development rights along the coastline.

Those mentioned as possible candidates for the 76th Assembly District--a Republican stronghold that covers northeastern San Diego County, portions of the South Bay and part of Riverside County--include Escondido Councilman Ernie Cowan, Chula Vista Mayor Greg Cox, Poway Councilwoman Linda Brannon and David Barber, Bradley’s administrative assistant.