Reed Declines Supervisor Bid : Riley’s Potential Foes Think He’ll Run Again

Thomas F. Riley, chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, has not yet announced whether he will seek reelection next year, but the likelihood that he will has potential successors running to join his bandwagon.

Newport Beach lawyer Dana W. Reed, a member of the Orange County Transportation Commission who had raised $60,000 to run for Riley’s seat, said Monday that he has told his backers that he will not enter the race. Another possible candidate ruled out running against Riley, and a third said defeating Riley would be very difficult.

Riley, 77, a retired Marine Corps brigadier general, was appointed to the board in 1974 by Gov. Ronald Reagan. So far he has refused to state publicly whether he will seek a fifth term, although at Monday’s Transportation Commission meeting, Riley’s invocation included a prayer for help so “we can continue to serve.”

Riley is expected to announce his intentions Thursday. He said Monday that he will spend time later this week telling supporters and potential opponents about his decision.

Riley’s opponents make it clear that the odds of beating Riley are long and that their best bet is to support the powerful supervisor if he decides to seek another four-year term.

Reed said he is convinced that Riley is going to run, based on a recent conversation with the supervisor: “He didn’t confirm it or deny it, but it’s the denial part that’s convinced me.”

Reed said he would change his plans only if Riley decided to retire.

Riley, who suffers from asthma and diabetes, has said over the past few months that a reelection bid would depend on his health.

On Monday, Riley said his doctors have given him a clean bill of health.

“I’m in great shape,” he said. “Besides, I’ve lost 25 pounds, and I’ve been working out. I better be healthy.

“I don’t think I can be happy staying at home. I’m best suited in this job. I get my energy here.”

Another potential candidate--Newport Beach City Councilwoman Evelyn R. Hart--said Monday that Riley has powerful support in his constituency, the 5th District, which includes Newport Beach, San Clemente, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano.

“I will not run against Tom Riley,” Hart said. “He’s very popular, and he knows the 5th District well.”

Another likely candidate, Peer A. Swan, president of the Irvine Ranch Water District board of directors, said a victory against Riley would be difficult because, as an incumbent, Riley would attract more campaign money.

But Swan said he has not ruled out opposing Riley: “I have the greatest respect for Tom Riley. He’s devoted to the 5th District. No one can fault him for that. But we have different issues now. Even the best people need a break.”