CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS: THE AD CAMPAIGN

The race: Governor. Whose ad? Republican candidate Pete Wilson.

Sen. Pete Wilson began running a new 30-second television ad statewide Friday that touts his tough crime record and endorsements by organizations of law enforcement officers and prosecutors.

Elements of the commercial with analysis by Times political writer Bill Stall:

Ad: Wilson, on camera: “”When I was mayor, I went to the funerals of too many cops. I’ve had a campaign worker raped. It does get me in the gut. I’m damned if I’m going to have that kind of state, and we can change it too.”

Analysis: Wilson was mayor of San Diego for 11 years, during which time, his aides said, he attended the funerals of six slain officers. During his campaign for governor, he has pledged to fight for legislative approval of bills that would increase prison time for drug dealers and violent criminals. He has said public safety also should be the first priority of state funds and if lawmakers refuse to pass such legislation, he would sponsor a ballot initiative to do so.

Ad: With a graphic showing comparisons of Wilson’s position with that of Democrat Dianne Feinstein, announcer says: “Pete Wilson opposed Rose Bird. Dianne Feinstein was one of Bird’s fund-raising chairmen.”

Analysis: Feinstein lent her name as the honorary chairperson of a San Francisco fund-raising dinner for former state Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird, who subsequently was denied reelection in 1986, primarily because she opposed the death penalty and repeatedly voted to overturn death sentences. Feinstein neither attended the dinner nor supported Bird’s reelection, the Feinstein campaign said.

Ad: Announcer: “Wilson will appoint tough judges. Feinstein pledged to work closely with trial lawyers before appointing judges. That’s why the overwhelming majority of California’s police and law enforcement officials support Pete Wilson (scrolled graphic lists nine such groups that have endorsed Wilson).”

Analysis: Wilson says he will not appoint judges who will not vigorously enforce the death penalty and hand out tough sentences to convicted criminals. Feinstein also has pledged to be tough on crime and has called for longer prison terms for drug offenders and those convicted of violent crimes. Generally, most law enforcement groups are supporting Wilson and traditionally have backed GOP candidates for statewide office.

Feinstein has the endorsement of the California Highway Patrol Officers Assn. and the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (COPS). Feinstein is supported by leaders of the California Trial Lawyers Assn., most of whom backed state Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp in the Democratic primary. The association has not endorsed a candidate. In its August newsletter, the association said Feinstein promised to consult the trial lawyers, who generally handle civil and not criminal actions, but that she “also made it clear that no litmus paper test will control her judicial appointments.”