Branch to Seek Reelection, His Attorney Says : Government: The county recorder, who has been urged to resign, intends to continue his career, Lloyd A. Charton says.

Orange County Recorder Lee A. Branch, who has been urged by county officials to resign because of sexual harassment and physical abuse allegations, is expected to announce his candidacy for reelection next week, his attorney said Friday.

Attorney Lloyd A. Charton said his client has been searching for a campaign manager and expects to hold a fund-raiser next month in an attempt to win a fifth, four-year term in office.

“He’s gearing up the campaign,” Charton said. “I think the (County Board of Supervisors) ought to stop interfering with his ability to do his job in an unfettered manner.”

Branch, 57, who has held the office since 1978, has been reelected handily each term despite harsh public criticisms of office operations. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

Charton said Branch is intent on continuing his career in the office, a massive repository for the filing of documents largely dealing with real estate transactions.

Since late October, Branch has been the subject of a county investigation into claims by employees that his relationship with an administrator in the office, Nancy L. Smith, had caused serious morale and operational problems.

Investigators have also looked into claims that Branch had made lewd remarks to a female employee and that he had physically abused another worker.

Branch has acknowledged a relationship with Smith, but has denied any wrongdoing.

Smith, who is on leave from her position as documents manager in the office, has also been accused of physically abusing an employee. She has denied any wrongdoing.

County officials have confirmed that she is expected to be recommended for transfer from the recorder’s office to another county position.

In recent weeks, county officials have privately urged Branch to resign. And earlier this week, Supervisor Thomas F. Riley joined that call, saying that Branch’s resignation would be “in the best interest of himself and his family.”

“I feel like I don’t even know him,” Riley said.

However, the County Board of Supervisors has no authority to dismiss Branch, because he is an elected official. Short of a loss at the polls, the most serious punishment the county could level against the recorder is a censure.

But Charton said the allegations against his client have no merit.

“He has done nothing wrong,” Charton said. “We have considered these claims by employees and there is nothing there.”