Dornan Backs Conroy to Replace Lewis : Politics: A primary race could be shaping up between the Republican activist and former Assemblyman Pringle.

As Republicans prepare for an anticipated special state Assembly race later this year, Rep. Robert K. Dornan set the stage Friday for a potential primary battle by throwing his support behind ex-Marine Corps pilot and conservative Republican activist Mickey Conroy.

Conroy is planning to run for the seat now held by Assemblyman John R. Lewis (R-Orange), who is the heavy favorite to be elected to the state Senate in a special election next month. Republicans are so certain that Lewis will win the May 14 election that they are already lining up to fill his seat.

In addition to Conroy, two other possible GOP candidates in a race for Lewis’ seat are former Garden Grove Assemblyman Curt Pringle and Orange Councilman William G. Steiner.

But like Pringle, Conroy is a conservative, meaning that their contest could split the right wing of the Republican Party. Both say they have been encouraged to run by major leaders in the county.

Dornan said Friday, “In a head-to-head, Mickey clobbers Pringle.” But the Garden Grove Republican added that he would rather avoid the battle by persuading Pringle not to run.

“Curt Pringle is a friend, but he’s not the one for this seat,” Dornan said. “If I was doing their planning, I would say, ‘Does Curt want to end his political career forever? Does he want to take a trouncing?’ ”

Pringle, who lost his Assembly seat last November to Democrat Tom Umberg, was unavailable Friday, but he has said he would not comment on the possibility of his candidacy until after the May 14 election.

Conroy, 63, confirmed Friday that he is planning to run. “I’ve already got my committee organized,” he said. “I’m a candidate the minute the governor calls the race.”

Conroy served in the military for 21 years and has been a longtime, conservative Republican activist in state politics, gaining statewide attention in 1986 when he initiated a vote in the Legislature to oust Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) for allegedly committing traitorous acts while protesting the Vietnam War.

Conroy has continued to submit petitions for Hayden’s dismissal at every legislative session since.

Lewis’ heavily Republican 67th Assembly District includes the cities of Orange, Tustin and Villa Park, as well as the Silverado Canyon area. Should Lewis win the special election May 14, Gov. Pete Wilson would be expected to set a special election for the 67th District seat sometime in the fall.