POLITICIAN WATCH : Right Republican

It seems to be one step forward and two steps back for California’s delegation in Congress. During the last year the delegation finally seemed to overcome some of its longstanding divisions, uniting in support of a new bipartisan research center that seeks ways for the delegation to promote California’s economic interests. This week, however, some of the state’s House Republicans voted to oust a fellow Californian from the GOP’s No. 3 leadership post in favor of a Texan, significantly weakening California’s influence in the lower chamber.

Texas, whose GOP delegates voted solidly for Texan Richard G. Armey, is among the states that do a better job of presenting a united front. It was Texas that got the multibillion-dollar superconducting super collider, in part because California’s delegation failed to pull together.

Backing Armey in the closed GOP voting was such a touchy issue for California Republican members that only one--Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach)--openly admitted to it. But others strongly hinted their support.

Removing Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) from the conference chairmanship removes a moderate and installs an in-your-face conservative who is expected to confront Bill Clinton at every turn. Time will tell if Armey can discern between standing up for principle and simply stirring things up. Meanwhile, perhaps Lewis can turn his efforts to helping members of the California delegation work better together. But that won’t be an easy job when the delegation keeps shooting itself in the foot.