Larkin Drops Plan to Challenge Wright in 1990 GOP Primary

Simi Valley businessman Bob Larkin announced that he is pulling out of the 1990 Republican race against Assemblywoman Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley)--clearing the way for a one-on-one primary challenge by Hunt Braly, state Sen. Ed Davis’ senior aide.

Larkin, who entered the race in April, said Braly’s recent entry into the primary campaign with the support of Davis (R-Valencia) “makes the campaign extremely difficult and expensive.” He maintained that he could defeat either Wright or Braly but not both of them in the far-flung 37th Assembly District, which covers parts of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Reiterating his previous criticism of Wright and Braly’s ethical behavior, Larkin said he would not endorse either of them. His departure from the race is expected to be a boost for Braly, giving him a clear field, at least temporarily, to oppose Wright head-on.

Larkin, a veteran GOP activist who is first vice chairman of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee, said he plans to return contributions to donors and personally pay any expenses his campaign incurred. He said he will focus his future energies on reforming the state Legislature through ballot initiatives.