Countywide : Lagomarsino Urged to Run in November

Supporters of Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino, the only congressman in California to lose his seat in the primary election, have urged the veteran lawmaker to run as an independent candidate for the 22nd Congressional District seat in the fall.

An aide to Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) said supporters have contacted the congressman to encourage him to try again for the slot representing Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He lost the Republican nomination for the seat in the June 2 primary to millionaire businessman Michael Huffington.

But Lagomarsino may be unable to get his name on the ballot as an independent candidate, Santa Barbara County elections officials said.

According to the election code, candidates who are defeated in a primary election are ineligible to run as independent candidates in the general election. Also, independent candidates must be unaffiliated with any party for at least 13 months before the election.

Still, Lagomarsino could run as a write-in candidate, election officials said. So far, the congressman is undecided on the issue.

“He is flattered by the suggestion,” said press secretary John Doherty. “I would say he is interested in it, but he does not have any plans to do it.”