ELECTIONS 19TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT : Wright Is Outspending La Follette in Bitter Campaign

Assemblywoman Cathie Wright is outspending Marian W. La Follette in the bitter race to choose a Republican candidate to replace retiring state Sen. Ed Davis.

Boosted by $25,500 from doctors’ political committees, Wright (R-Simi Valley) reported in campaign finance statements filed Thursday that she has spent $247,000, about $100,000 more than La Follette.

The race between Wright and La Follette--a pair of conservative Republicans who were Assembly rivals in the 1980s--is marked by contributions from big business and special-interest committees.

Of the $145,688 Wright received during the latest two-month reporting period, $55,000 were in contributions of $5,000 or more.

In addition to the $25,500 from two California Medical Assn. committees, Wright received $8,000 from the Phillip Morris tobacco company, $7,000 from the California Cable Television Assn., $5,000 from home builder Dale Poe, and $5,000 each from statewide real estate and insurance company political committees.

“There’s some big money in there, there’s no question,” said John Theiss, Wright’s campaign manager. “But anyone who’s known Cathie Wright for the last 12 years knows she is not beholden to anyone. When she makes a decision, it’s in the best interest of her constituents. It’s not based on who gave her money.”

Overall, Wright has raised $189,682 this year, but has spent $247,156. With donations accumulated through last year, she can cover $57,000 in debt with a $21,500 cushion, Theiss said.

By comparison, La Follette, who served in the Assembly from 1980 to 1990, has raised $157,541 this year and spent $143,051. Independently wealthy, La Follette has loaned herself $50,000.

The Thousand Oaks resident has also received $10,000 from state Sen. Davis’ campaign treasury and $5,000 from a committee of Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks).

Times staff writers Gary Gorman and Tina Daunt contributed to this story.