Wilson Takes Sides in GOP Primary Races : Politics: Governor endorses 17 candidates in attempt to gain control of the Assembly. There is little concern over angering other Republicans.

Gov. Pete Wilson has endorsed 17 Assembly primary election candidates so far as part of his campaign to obtain a Republican voting majority in the lower house as soon as possible, it was disclosed Thursday.

Unlike his predecessor, former Gov. George Deukmejian, who stayed out of GOP primary fights, Wilson also may make more endorsements before Tuesday’s election, according to an Administration official.

“One of our top political priorities this year is gaining control of the Assembly,” said Dan Schnur, Wilson’s communications director. “The governor has endorsed candidates that we think will help us achieve that goal.”

The Assembly currently includes 47 Democrats and 33 Republicans and is run by Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco).

Asked if he believed Wilson could achieve his goal of a 41-vote GOP majority this year, Schnur said, “We believe we have a very good chance, but we obviously will have a better assessment after next Tuesday’s election.”

Schnur said that although 41 votes is the goal, even 38 or 39 Republican seats probably would help the governor accomplish more of his legislative agenda.

Asked why Wilson decided to take sides in Republican primary races, a move that is sure to cause criticism from other GOP candidates, Schnur said, “The best way to elect a majority is to nominate effective and elective candidates in June.”

Assembly Republican candidates endorsed by Wilson include Assemblyman David Knowles of Sacramento in the 4th District, Assemblyman B. T. Collins of Carmichael in the 5th District, Al Aramburu of Tiburon in the 6th District, Janet Nicholas in the 7th District, Richard Rainey of Walnut Creek in the 15th District and Assemblyman Dean Andal of Stockton in the 17th District.

Others are Nao Takasugi of Oxnard in the 37th District, Barbara Pieper of La Canada Flintridge in the 44th District, Assemblyman Gerald Felando of San Pedro in the 54th District, Assemblyman Paul Horcher of Hacienda Heights in the 60th District, Assemblyman Paul Woodruff of Yucaipa in the 65th District and Assemblyman Mickey Conroy of Santa Ana in the 71st District.

He also supports Jan Goldsmith of Poway in the 75th District, Ronnie Delaney in the 76th District, Greg Cox of Chula Vista in the 77th District, Jeff Marston of San Diego in the 78th District and Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter of Bonita in the 80th District.

The governor has also endorsed Senate candidate Carol Rowen of Tarzana, who is opposing President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles) in a special election runoff Tuesday to fill the unexpired term of former Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana), who pleaded guilty to political corruption charges.