Goldsmith Is Proven Leader in 75th : His record of service speaks louder than opponent Youngkin’s vague rhetoric

Eleven candidates are vying to represent the sprawling new 75th Assembly District that stretches from the international border to Borrego Springs, and from Rancho Penasquitos to Imperial County. But there are only two real contenders in this lopsidedly Republican district: GOP candidates Jan Goldsmith and anti-abortion activist Connie Youngkin.

The two have almost nothing in common except party affiliation. But, with their high name recognition and proven fund-raising abilities, they have quickly separated themselves from the crowded field of also-rans.

Given the GOP’s 22% registration advantage, the fate of this seat will almost certainly be decided in the June 2 Republican primary. Voters couldn’t have a clearer choice: Poway Mayor Goldsmith’s proven ability for consensus building and Youngkin’s long record of divisive zealotry. The Times endorses Goldsmith based on his record of proven leadership.

Goldsmith, an attorney, received more than 61% of the vote when he became Poway’s first elected mayor in 1988. Since then he has forged a reputation as a coalition builder, particularly as a voice for North County on the board of the San Diego Assn. of Governments. He is particularly well-regarded for his expertise on transportation policy, a critical issue in a district that includes an Interstate 15 corridor that is predicted to soon be among the most congested in the state.

Youngkin, on the other hand, has never served in office and has no real platform except her strident anti-abortion stance. Certainly, she is entitled to her view. Many Americans are torn on the abortion issue. But Youngkin tends to go to extremes. She has served a jail sentence for blocking access to a clinic and once stunned educators by showing up for a Poway school fair with a dead fetus in a jar of formaldehyde.

Her abortion stance--and the votes it pulled from the Christian Right--brought Youngkin within a few percentage points of unseating incumbent Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter in 1990.

And, with that voting bloc already in her pocket, Youngkin is publicly downplaying the issue this time around. She’s selling herself as an anti-tax, pro-gun conservative. But, when pushed on these issues she lapses into vague political rhetoric. Goldsmith, however, has proven he can hold the line on government spending: Poway has balanced its budget without new taxes every year since he became mayor.

The other candidates in the race are Republicans Ken Harrell, L. Ned Kohler, Mike Schaefer and Darryl R. Speiser; Democrats Dante Cosentino and Jim Rickard; Libertarian J. C. Anderson; Peace-and-Freedom candidate Alfredo R. Felix and Green Party candidate Daniel Ford Tarr.

The Times endorses Jan Goldsmith.