Decision ’92 : SPECIAL VOTERS’ GUIDE TO STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS : THE ASSEMBLY RACES

The battle for control of the Assembly between the Republicans and Democrats is centering on about 15 highly competitive races statewide, at least five of which are being fought in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The balance of the 31 Assembly districts in the three counties were more or less locked up in the June primaries because of voter registration advantages that would be difficult for opponents on the short end to surmount. Of those races, 16 are expected to be claimed by Democrats and 10 by Republicans. That equation could be altered by a wave of anti-incumbent fervor, with 18 of 31 seats being sought by incumbents. Republicans would benefit from that trend. On the other hand, a heavy vote for Bill Clinton in the presidential race or a large turnout by women because of interest in the Senate seats being sought by women candidates could give a big boost to Democratic candidates at the Assembly level. Listed below are all Assembly races that are being contested in the three counties. The major party registration figures are as of early September:

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ASSEMBLY / 36th District

Area: Acton, Agua Dulce, Canyon Country, Gorman, Lancaster, Leona Valley, Littlerock, Llano, Palmdale, Pearblossom, Quartz Hill, Santa Clarita and Saugus.

Registration: 35% D / 53% R

Background: Predominantly Anglo and heavily Republican, the new district was pieced together from several other districts to unite the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys. There is no incumbent. Arnie Rodio, a Lancaster city councilman and conservative Democrat, and Republican William J. (Pete) Knight, a former Palmdale mayor, are remarkably similar in outlook and philosophy. Rodio may attract some GOP voters, but the numbers are on Knight’s side. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Arnie Rodio: City councilman REPUBLICAN; William J. (Pete) Knight: Businessman and former mayor LIBERTARIAN; Ronald Tisbert: Small-businessman *

ASSEMBLY / 38th District

Area: Castaic, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Lake Hughes, North Hills, Northridge and Val Verde and part of Saugus, Sylmar and Valencia in Los Angeles County, and Fillmore, Piru and Simi Valley and part of Thousand Oaks in Ventura County.

Registration: 40% D / 47% R

Background: A primarily Anglo and predominantly Republican district. Howard Cohen, who is running a shoestring campaign, is hoping for a miracle in his battle against incumbent Paula L. Boland, who is seeking a second term. This is considered a safe Republican seat. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Howard Cohen: Businessman REPUBLICAN; Paula L. Boland: Assemblywoman LIBERTARIAN; Devin Cutler: Business finance professional *

ASSEMBLY / 39th District

Area: Northeastern San Fernando Valley communities of Arleta, Pacoima, Panorama City, San Fernando, Sylmar and part of Lake View Terrace, North Hollywood and Sun Valley.

Registration: 61% D / 28% R

Background: A largely blue-collar area with a heavy minority population that is solid Democratic turf. Democrat Richard Katz, who has represented the district since 1980, is expected to retain his seat. Katz is exploring a run for mayor of Los Angeles next year. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Richard Katz: Assemblyman REPUBLICAN; Nicholas Fitzgerald: Businessman LIBERTARIAN; David H. George: Production electronic technician *

ASSEMBLY / 40th District

Area: Most of North Hollywood, Panorama City, Reseda and Van Nuys and part of Encino, Panorama City, Studio City, Tarzana and Winnetka.

Registration: 55% D / 32% R

Background: A predominantly Anglo, Democratic district. Barbara Friedman, who lost her Los Angeles district to reapportionment, had announced she would run in the 41st Assembly District against Assemblyman Pat Nolan (R-Glendale). But after veteran Assemblyman Tom Bane, who had represented the 40th District for more than 30 years, announced his retirement, she switched districts. Despite charges of political carpetbagging, Friedman is favored to win the race against Republican Horace H. Heidt, a bandleader and businessman, and three minor party candidates. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Barbara Friedman: Assemblywoman REPUBLICAN; Horace H. Heidt: Businessman GREEN; Glenn Bailey: Community issues specialist LIBERTARIAN; John Vernon: Businessman PEACE AND FREEDOM; Jean K. Glasser: Teacher *

ASSEMBLY / 41st District

Area: Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu, southwestern San Fernando Valley.

Registration: 50% D / 38% R

Background: A predominantly Anglo, affluent district regarded as competitive by both parties. It contains only 25% of the territory that Terry B. Friedman, a liberal Democrat, has represented since 1986. Republican Christine Reed, a moderate who favors abortion rights, was a city councilwoman in Santa Monica for 15 years. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Terry B. Friedman: Assemblyman REPUBLICAN; Christine Reed: Ex-Santa Monica councilwoman LIBERTARIAN; Roy A. Sykes Jr.: Business owner *

ASSEMBLY / 42nd District

Area: West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City.

Registration: 58% D / 27% R

Background: An affluent, liberal Democratic stronghold. Democrat Burt Margolin, a six-term assemblyman who has represented the eastern portion of the district since 1982, will be hard to beat. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Burt Margolin: Assemblyman REPUBLICAN; Robert (Bob) Davis: Businessman LIBERTARIAN; Andrew S. Rotter: Historian, retired lawyer PEACE AND FREEDOM; Timothy Burdick: Office worker *

ASSEMBLY / 43rd District

Area: Burbank, Glendale and the Los Feliz and Griffith Park areas of Los Angeles.

Registration: 42% D / 44% R

Background: A primarily Anglo, GOP-leaning district that was redrawn to omit some of its conservative base. Incumbent Pat Nolan says he is taking nothing for granted in a district in which more than half of the voters are new to him. But Democrat Elliott Graham, a former Republican, and Libertarian Anthony G. Bajada have an uphill battle against the veteran Nolan, who was first elected in 1978 and has served as Assembly Republican leader. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Elliott Graham: Producer, director, photographer REPUBLICAN; Pat Nolan: Assemblyman LIBERTARIAN; Anthony G. Bajada: University lecturer *

ASSEMBLY / 44th District

Area: Covers Sylmar, Kagel Canyon, Lake View Terrace, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada Flintridge, Altadena, Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, and parts of Arcadia and Temple City.

Registration: 44% D / 44% R

Background: A new district centered in Pasadena. Republican Bill Hoge beat nine rivals in the primary by running as a tax-reduction crusader who is against abortion and gun control and will work to stop illegal immigration. The district leans Republican, but Democrat Jonathan S. Fuhrman, a political ally of Supervisor Gloria Molina, says a surge in Democratic registration since June gives him hope for an upset. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Jonathan S. Fuhrman: Warehouse systems manager REPUBLICAN; Bill Hoge: Insurance broker LIBERTARIAN; Ken Saurenman: Contractor *

ASSEMBLY / 45th District

Area: Parts of Hollywood and downtown, Echo Park, Silver Lake.

Registration: 61% D / 23% R

Background: This heavily Democratic district was created under reapportionment with the intent of it being represented by a Latino. That spells good news for Democrat Richard G. Polanco, who was first elected to the Assembly in 1986 and is seeking to represent this district. He is expected to have little difficulty in returning to the Assembly. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Richard G. Polanco: Assemblyman REPUBLICAN; Kitty Hedrick: Teacher PEACE AND FREEDOM; J. Luis Gomez: Accountant *

ASSEMBLY / 46th District

Area: Pico Union, parts of Koreatown and downtown, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles.

Registration: 64% D / 21% R

Background: Harvard Law School graduate Louis Caldera narrowly defeated Berta Saavedra in the Democratic primary. He appears virtually unbeatable in this heavily Latino district, which became open when Lucille Roybal-Allard decided to run for Congress. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Louis Caldera: Deputy county counsel REPUBLICAN; David M. Osborne: Executive assistant LIBERTARIAN; Michael B. Everling: Title officer/examiner PEACE AND FREEDOM; Casey Peters: University library worker *

ASSEMBLY / 47th District

Area: Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Culver City, Palms.

Registration: 74% D / 15% R

Background: Rock-solid Democratic turf. The heart of the district is the Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw area, containing the West’s largest concentration of middle- and upper-income blacks. Gwen Moore, who has represented much of the area since 1978, should have little problem in getting reelected. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Gwen Moore: Assemblywoman REPUBLICAN; Jonathan Leonard: Businessman LIBERTARIAN; Chuck Hammill: Mathematician PEACE AND FREEDOM; Yassin A. Saededdin: Hotel manager *

ASSEMBLY / 48th District

Area: Exposition Park, Watts, part of downtown.

Registration: 87% D / 5% R

Background: This district is an African-American political stronghold. Since it is also the most heavily Democratic district in the state, Democrat Marguerite Archie-Hudson should have no trouble returning to the Assembly. She won the primary handily. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Marguerite Archie-Hudson: Assemblywoman REPUBLICAN; Jonathan Leonard: Businessman *

ASSEMBLY / 49th District

Area: Covers part of East Los Angeles, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead and San Gabriel.

Registration: 60% D / 27% R

Background: A heavily Democratic district with a 55% Latino majority. Democrat Diane Martinez, the daughter of Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-Monterey Park), won a surprisingly lopsided victory over three strong rivals in the primary and is favored over Republican Sophie C. Wong, whose candidacy could benefit from the growing Asian population, estimated at 28% of the total. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Diane Martinez: Garvey school board member REPUBLICAN; Sophie C. Wong: Alhambra school board member LIBERTARIAN; Kim Goldsworthy: Computer programmer *

ASSEMBLY / 50th District

Area: Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Commerce, Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon.

Registration: 67% D / 21% R

Background: A heavily Democratic district where nine out of 10 residents are Latino. With no incumbent opposition in this new district, Democratic primary winner Martha M. Escutia has the upper hand over Republican opponent Gladys O. Miller. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Martha M. Escutia: Attorney REPUBLICAN; Gladys O. Miller: Local government employee *

ASSEMBLY / 51st District

Area: Hawthorne, Inglewood, South-Central Los Angeles.

Registration: 69% D / 20% R

Background: This contest is expected to be no contest for incumbent Assemblyman Curtis R. Tucker Jr., who has a solid political base in Inglewood and no Republican opponent in the general election. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Curtis R. Tucker Jr.: Assemblyman LIBERTARIAN; Clark W. Hanley: Electronics technician PEACE AND FREEDOM; Xenia G. Williams: Eligibility worker *

ASSEMBLY / 52nd District

Area: Lynwood, Paramount, Gardena, Hawthorne, and portions of Compton, East Compton, Florence, Long Beach, Moneta, Willowbrook, South Gate and Los Angeles.

Registration: 79% D / 12% R

Background: Voter registration in the district is so lopsided in favor of the Democratic Party that not a single Republican or third-party candidate filed in the race. Willard H. Murray Jr. won an easy primary victory and faces no opposition in the general election. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Willard H. Murray Jr.: Assemblyman *

ASSEMBLY / 53rd District

Area: El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Venice, Westchester.

Registration: 43% D / 42% R

Background: Ideological divides don’t get much wider than in this race, which pits the conservative W. Brad Parton, an abortion rights opponent who has received funds from the Christian right, against Debra L. Bowen, a land-use and environmental attorney supported by labor unions and abortion rights advocates. The newly drawn coastal district joins Republican-leaning South Bay cities with Democratic Westside communities, creating the potential for a close contest. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Debra L. Bowen: Attorney REPUBLICAN; W. Brad Parton: Mayor of Redondo Beach, businessman LIBERTARIAN; William Gaillard: Road construction salesman *

ASSEMBLY / 54th District

Area: Long Beach, San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Hawaiian Gardens, Catalina, Signal Hill, Lakewood.

Registration: 43% D / 43% R

Background: A predominantly Anglo district equally divided between Republicans and Democrats. Republican Gerald N. Felando is the incumbent and his $150,000 war chest and 14-year record in the Assembly make him a favorite. But reapportionment slid much of his old district south, and Betty Karnette, his main challenger and an underfunded Democratic Party activist, may give him a run for his money. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Betty Karnette: Teacher REPUBLICAN; Gerald N. Felando: Assemblyman AMERICAN INDEPENDENT; Joseph G. Fields: Declined to state *

ASSEMBLY / 55th District

Area: Carson, Compton, Long Beach, Wilmington.

Registration: 68% D / 21% R

Background: The big story in this heavily minority district unfolded in June when Carson City Councilwoman Juanita M. McDonald upset two incumbent assemblymen--Richard Floyd of Carson and Dave Elder of San Pedro. With no Republican opposition in the general election, McDonald is expected to have little trouble winning a seat in Sacramento. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Juanita M. McDonald: Carson councilwoman, educator LIBERTARIAN; Shannon Anderson: Transportation project manager *

ASSEMBLY / 56th District

Area: Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, and portions of Lakewood, Long Beach, Norwalk and South Gate.

Registration: 49% D / 40% R

Background: This seat has flip-flopped between Republicans and Democrats for at least two decades and could be a key race to both parties. Bob Epple is the incumbent and has a slight Democratic voter registration edge and a higher profile than his GOP rival. Phillip D. Hawkins expects to get substantial Republican Party support. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Bob Epple: Assemblyman REPUBLICAN; Phillip D. Hawkins: Real estate business owner LIBERTARIAN; Richard Gard: Real estate broker *

ASSEMBLY / 57th District

Area: Covers El Monte, part of South El Monte, Baldwin Park, Irwindale, Azusa, La Puente and Hacienda Heights.

Registration: 56% D / 32% R

Background: This mostly blue-collar district has been represented for 14 years by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D-Baldwin Park), who is retiring. She backed an aide as her successor, but he was beaten in the primary by Hilda L. Solis, who had strong help from Supervisor Gloria Molina and ran an energetic grass-roots campaign. The population is 64% Latino. Strong Democratic registration leaves Republican Gary Woods with at best a long-shot chance. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Hilda L. Solis: Rio Hondo College board member REPUBLICAN; Gary Woods: Citrus College board member LIBERTARIAN; Bruce Dovner: College math instructor *

ASSEMBLY / 58th District

Area: Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera, Montebello, and portions of Whittier and South El Monte.

Registration: 63% D / 27%R

Background: This district was carved out for a Latino representative. After a fierce primary in which she mortgaged her home to pay campaign bills, Norwalk City Councilwoman Grace Musquiz Napolitano is likely to be that representative. Napolitano faces minimal opposition and registered Democrats vastly outnumber other parties in the new district, which was left without an incumbent when Assemblyman Bob Epple decided to run elsewhere. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Grace Musquiz Napolitano: City councilwoman REPUBLICAN; Ken Gow: Retired research engineer LIBERTARIAN; John McCready: Teacher *

ASSEMBLY / 59th District

Area: Covers Arcadia, Temple City, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, Duarte, Covina, part of Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, most of Pomona and Claremont.

Registration: 39% D / 49% R

Background: A solidly Republican district that sweeps across the San Gabriel Valley suburbs from Arcadia to Claremont. Reapportionment put incumbent Republicans Richard Mountjoy and William H. Lancaster in the same district, but a primary battle was averted when Lancaster chose to retire. Mountjoy is heavily favored despite an aggressive campaign by Democrat Louise Gelber, who is hoping to capitalize on an anti-incumbent mood. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Louise Gelber: Attorney REPUBLICAN; Richard Mountjoy: Assemblyman *

ASSEMBLY / 60th District

Area: City of Industry, West Covina, Valinda, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights, La Habra Heights and La Mirada and parts of Pomona and Whittier.

Registration: 43% D / 45% R

Background: A district dominated by upscale neighborhoods in the eastern reaches of the county. Freshman Assemblyman Paul V. Horcher needed help from Gov. Pete Wilson to beat Diamond Bar Councilwoman Phyllis Papen in a vicious primary campaign. But he should have an easier time Nov. 3. Republicans have a registration edge; Democrat Stan Caress has not run a visible campaign. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Stan Caress: Political science professor REPUBLICAN; Paul V. Horcher: Assemblyman AMERICAN INDEPENDENT; Robert Lewis: Industrial electronics engineer

RIVERSIDE / SAN BERNARDINO

ASSEMBLY / 61st District

Area: All or most of Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair and Ontario and part of Pomona and Upland and Rancho Cucamonga.

Registration: 45% D / 44% R

Background: A new district that is full of young families who have moved to the Inland Empire from Los Angeles and Orange counties for housing they can afford. Republican Fred Aguiar and Democrat Larry S. Simcoe are moderates. Aguiar was a Democrat until he switched parties three years ago and made a name for himself as a political fund-raiser. Simcoe, a firefighter for 32 years, is trying to turn Aguiar’s experience against him, labeling him as a “career politician” because of his 14 years on the Chino City Council. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Larry S. Simcoe: Firefighter REPUBLICAN; Fred Aguiar: Chino mayor GREEN; Cynthia Allaire: Office manager *

ASSEMBLY / 62nd District

Area: Parts of the city of San Bernardino, as well as Rialto, Colton, Fontana.

Registration: 59% D / 32% R

Background: When incumbent Assemblyman Gerald R. Eaves, a Democrat, vacated this seat to run for San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, two candidates who had challenged Eaves unsuccessfully in previous elections jumped into the contest for the open seat. Because of the strong Democratic registration edge, Joe Baca is expected to beat GOP underdog Steve Hall. However, charges against the Baca campaign of questionable voter registration practices have been turnd over to the Registrar of voters for review. Campaign controversy is nothing new for Baca. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Joe Baca: Businessman, college trustee REPUBLICAN; Steve Hall: Firefighter LIBERTARIAN; Ethel M. Hass: Libertarian *

ASSEMBLY / 63rd District

Area: Loma Linda, Upland, San Bernardino County.

Registration: 40% D / 48% R

Background: This is an Anglo-dominated, heavily Republican district, one considered safely held by freshman GOP incumbent Jim Brulte, who has been discussed in Sacramento as a possible choice for minority leader when the new Legislature convenes. Democrats did well during a summer registration drive, adding 3,835 voters to their lists, compared to 1,663 by Republicans, but it is still an uphill struggle for Democrat A. L. (Larry) Westwood. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; A. L. (Larry) Westwood Business financial consultant REPUBLICAN; Jim Brulte: Assemblyman GREEN; Joseph (Joe) M. Desist: Educator, teacher, consultant *

ASSEMBLY / 64th District

Area: All of the city of Riverside and Norco, as well as half of the city of Corona.

Registration: 45% D / 44% R

Background: This race is one of the most closely contested in the state. Both parties nominated moderate candidates with strong backing. The Democrat, Jane Carney, is an attorney with close ties to the downtown Riverside business Establishment. She could benefit by a heavy turnout by women and the return of Reagan Democrats to the Democratic fold. But GOP candidate Ted Weggeland put in an impressive performance in the primary and has heavy backing from the state party and Gov. Pete Wilson. This is one of the few districts in the state where Republicans registered more voters than did the Democrats this summer. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Jane Carney: Businesswoman, attorney REPUBLICAN; Ted Weggeland: Businessman LIBERTARIAN; Jane A. Henson: Small-business owner *

ASSEMBLY / 65th District

Area: San Bernardino County, including cities of Redlands, Yucaipa, Big Bear and Twentynine Palms.

Registration: 41% D / 47% R

Background: This is safe Republican territory and two-term GOP incumbent Paul A. Woodruff should be a safe bet to keep his seat. Democratic candidate Alice Robb was officially repudiated by her party after it was discovered that she is an ally of Lyndon H. Larouche Jr. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Alice J. Robb: Retired teacher REPUBLICAN; Paul A. Woodruff: Assemblyman LIBERTARIAN; Michael S. Geller: Small-business owner *

ASSEMBLY / 66th District

Area: Western Riverside County, including half of Corona and all of Lake Elsinore and Temecula, as well as Fallbrook and Mt. Palomar areas of San Diego County.

Registration: 35% D / 53% R

Background: This is GOP territory. Republcan attorney Ray Haynes, who is getting backing from the religious right, is favored to ride the registration advantage to a victory. But Democratic underdog Patsy Hockersmith hopes that women will cross over party lines to elect her. Haynes is staunchly anti-abortion, while Hockersmith favors abortion rights. With scant funding, she remains a long shot. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Patsy Hockersmith: Building inspector REPUBLICAN; Ray Haynes: Small-businessman LIBERTARIAN; Bill E. Reed: Steel marketing representative PEACE AND FREEDOM; Anne Patrice Wood: Registered nurse *

ASSEMBLY / 80th District

Area: All of Imperial County and parts of Riverside County, including the cities of Beaumont, Banning, Palm Springs, Indio, Blythe.

Registration: 47% D / 41% R

Background: This is an intensely competitive race. GOP incumbent Tricia Rae Hunter was forced by reapportionment to run in basically new territory. But she has the backing of Gov. Peter Wilson and is well financed. Democratic candidate Julie Bornstein, an attorney and community college trustee, is running on a track record of community service. CANDIDATE: OCCUPATION DEMOCRAT; Julie Bornstein: Attorney, college trustee REPUBLICAN; Tricia Rae Hunter: Assemblywoman, nurse