Deukmejian Backs Bergeson, Assails McCarthy’s Ad

Gov. George Deukmejian has endorsed his fellow Republican, state Sen. Marian Bergeson, in the race for lieutenant governor. But that hasn’t stopped the Democratic incumbent, Leo T. McCarthy, from using Deukmejian’s name and voice in his latest television commercial.

McCarthy dredged up a tape of Deukmejian complimenting him after last year’s Bay Area earthquake. With Deukmejian out of the country, McCarthy was in charge of the response in the first 24 hours after the quake. It was perhaps the only time in eight years that McCarthy played an important role in the day-to-day operation of the state.

“I’m flattered that Leo McCarthy believes he can gain more votes by using my voice and my words, but he had no authority to use them in a political commercial,” the governor said through a spokesman. “I want to make it clear that I am endorsing Marian Bergeson.”