Wilcox Gains Support in Assembly Race

Republican State Assembly candidate Rob Wilcox gained several endorsements Wednesday, including those of Los Angeles City Councilman Ernani Bernardi and the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

In a statement released by Wilcox, who is an aide to retiring Assemblywoman Marian W. La Follette (R-Northridge), Bernardi described Wilcox as “a knowledgeable, experienced, energetic leader.”

Frank Grimes, vice president of the union that represents Los Angeles police officers, said the group made its endorsement after meeting with Wilcox and his chief opponent in the June 5 Republican primary, Granada Hills businesswoman Paula Boland.

The police union decided to endorse Wilcox because of his support of additional prison construction, Grimes said. He said the union preferred this over Boland’s position, which blamed the Legislature for not passing laws to toughen criminal sentencing.

Wilcox also received the endorsement of the California Young Republicans, the California Republican League and the California League of Conservation Voters, the candidate announced Wednesday.

Carlos Rodriguez, a campaign strategist for Boland, said she has been endorsed by Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson and Los Angeles County supervisors Deane Dana and Mike Antonovich.