LOS ANGELES : Friedman to Back Roberti in Fighting Recall Effort

Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman (D-North Hollywood), widely viewed as the leading candidate to succeed embattled state Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys), says she will wholeheartedly support Roberti’s effort to defeat a recall drive leveled against him by anti-gun-control activists.

“I’m supporting Sen. Roberti in whatever way I can,” Friedman said. “He’s played an incredibly valuable role on the gun-control issue.”

The North Hollywood Democrat said that she would not place her name on a recall ballot as a candidate to replace Roberti. If Roberti were recalled in a special election--which could be held as early as April--his successor would be chosen from a list of candidates appearing on the same ballot.

Friedman said she would instead wait for the regular election cycle to run for Roberti’s seat. Because of term limits, Roberti will be leaving office by year’s end.

By waiting, Friedman not only risks raising the ire of the forces lined up against Roberti, but also could be put in the position of having to run against an incumbent--whoever wins the recall election.