COUNTYWIDE : 2 More Democrats Join Congress Race

Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) has picked up two more Democratic opponents to his campaign for reelection in a new congressional district north of Ventura County.

Jack Theimer, a real estate developer in Montecito, and Los Osos businessman Ron Olmstead have jumped into the Democratic primary with Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gloria Ochoa.

“I think the Democratic Party is ready for a new type of candidate,” said Theimer, who has offered affordable housing and environmental concessions with his developments. “I like to think of myself as a businessman with a conscience.”

Theimer, a college tennis star who holds a law degree, is known most recently for his 220-acre Ennisbrook development in Montecito, designed to have 102 luxury houses.

Although he is financially independent, Theimer said he does not plan to finance his campaign like multimillionaire businessman Michael Huffington, Lagomarsino’s challenger in the GOP primary.

“If I can’t get financial support from a wide variety of people, then my campaign is not viable,” Theimer said.

Mary Rose, a campaign consultant for Ochoa, said Theimer is the supervisor’s first formidable challenger. “He is somebody we are going to take seriously,” Rose said.

Olmstead, who runs business seminars, said Theimer’s entrance brings another wealthy man in the race. Lagomarsino has a small fortune of his own that he inherited from his family citrus ranch and beer distributorship.

“We have three millionaires in this race,” Olmstead said. “Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.”