POLITICAL NOTES : Many Big Spenders Lost Anyway in June Elections

BIG SPENDERS: Many South Bay candidates for Congress or the state Senate spent well over a hundred grand in the June primary races.

Most losers are stuck holding a hefty bill; winners have spent much of the summer trying to raise more money.

In the 36th Congressional District, Rancho Palos Verdes Councilwoman Susan Brooks spent $179,720 in her successful bid for the Republican nomination, according to campaign finance reports. (The figures only include spending since Jan. 1). Her opponent, former Palos Verdes Estates Councilman Ron Florance, spent almost twice as much: $336,589, more than half of which was his own money. Incumbent Jane Harman (D-Rolling Hills), who had no opposition, spent $183,856.

But you have to look to a state race--the 28th State Senate District--to find this year’s biggest spender: incumbent Ralph C. Dills (D-El Segundo). He paid $459,797, the bulk of it on a barrage of mailers in the last weeks of the race. His chief opponent, Torrance Councilman George Nakano, spent $195,797. Dills won the race with 47% of the vote to Nakano’s 34%.

Attorney Michael Sidley, who spent $212,720 on his campaign this year, got 11% of the vote. Manhattan Beach real estate broker Jo Ann Rodda got 8%, spending less than $1,000.

Sidley financed much of his campaign with his own money or with loans from his father. But he plans to run for office again.

“I think I was everybody’s second choice,” Sidley said. “Next time around, I will be positioned very well.”

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GUNS AND BUTTER: President Clinton’s health care plan is in limbo, but that doesn’t mean it will hurt Harman in her reelection race.

She had yet to throw her support behind any plan.

“It’s another opportunity for her to demonstrate her independence,” campaign spokesman Roy Behr said. He added that Harman will “oppose anything that will hurt business in the South Bay.” (Harman has been meeting with a group of advisers from the district, dubbed the Medicine Cabinet).

But opponent Brooks charges that Harman was holding out so she could align herself with the plan that is most popular to the Democratic leadership.

“She was waiting to be told (which way to vote),” Brooks said.

Brooks supports a health care bill co-authored by Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield), who gave a health care speech at a Brooks fund-raiser last week. His plan requires employers to offer insurance but not to pay for it. It also provides subsidies to workers with low incomes.

Harman’s camp, however, denies that political motives have come into play.

“If that was the case,” Behr said, “she would have jumped on the Clinton plan when it was really popular. She didn’t.”

The two candidates’ positions are crystal clear on the recently passed crime bill. Harman called it a victory for “law enforcement over special interests.” Brooks called it a “big city payoff” that will mean little for South Bay communities.

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UNFORGETTABLE GODFATHER: The new Nat King Cole commemorative stamp will be unveiled at Compton Community College on Friday.

On hand will be the late crooner’s daughter, Casey, along with her godfather, Ralph C. Dills.

Yes, Ralph C. Dills, the 84-year-old state senator now running for reelection. His friendship with Cole “goes way back,” said Tim Mock, Dills’ campaign coordinator.

Dills will give a keynote speech at the ceremony. The Postal Service will also unveil a stamp honoring singer Ethel Waters.