Reiner Meets With Smith, Pledges Support

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner has met with his San Francisco counterpart, Arlo Smith, who defeated him in the hard-fought and frequently caustic Democratic primary for attorney general, and agreed to support Smith in the November general election.

Spokesmen for the two said they met earlier this week for more than 45 minutes and vowed to work together to defeat the Republican candidate for attorney general, former U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren.

“He offered to do whatever he could to help Smith,” said Reiner’s news secretary, Mike Botula. “They discussed what they best might do together.”

Smith’s deputy campaign manager, Steve Kaplan, said the two men have tentatively planned some events later this summer, although no dates have been set. Reiner also promised to help Smith raise money, and former Reiner supporters “have been incredible” in volunteering to help the San Francisco prosecutor, Kaplan said.

Smith and Reiner spent the primary campaign heckling each other in what was considered the bitterest of the primary races. In what was widely perceived as an upset, Smith defeated Reiner, 52% to 48%. Early returns had Reiner ahead, leading him to claim victory prematurely.

Since then, Reiner has not publicly conceded defeat, although he privately spoke to Smith the morning after the election and pledged his support. Aides said scheduling conflicts prevented the two from meeting earlier.

Botula, Reiner’s spokesman, said the district attorney will run for reelection in 1992.