Countywide : Lagomarsino Urged to Shun Write-In Bid

Republican leaders from Santa Barbara to Washington are urging Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) not to mount a write-in campaign to challenge the Republican who defeated him in the June primary.

Several weeks ago, Lagomarsino’s supporters--embittered by the rough primary loss to millionaire Michael Huffington--urged the congressman to run as a write-in candidate in the congressional district encompassing Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

But the leaders of the National Republican Committee, the Republican Party of California, the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee and the Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County have written to the congressman, urging him to resist the temptation.

“Your primary was one of the most vigorously contested in the nation--a healthy display of democracy of work,” wrote Richard N. Bond, chairman of the Republican National Committee. “Now that the voters have made their decision, it is time to leave your primary differences behind and go forward with Michael Huffington.”

James Dignan, chairman of the Republican Party of California, wrote to Lagomarsino: “During your 34 years of public service you have been a great asset not only for our party but to our state and our country. But, the primary is over and it is time to close ranks and support our party’s nominee.”

Lagomarsino, the only congressman in California to lose his seat in the primary election, has yet to decide on his write-in candidacy, spokesman John Doherty said Tuesday. Doherty would not speculate on when the congressmen would reach a decision. He has until September to decide on the matter.

Meanwhile, Huffington has received the support of Gov. Pete Wilson and state Senate Republican leader Ken Maddy.