VAN NUYS : Wilson Visit Boosts Backers of Tort Reform

Amid widespread speculation that he is about to announce his candidacy for the White House, Gov. Pete Wilson on Friday took part in an odd twist on the traditional political ritual of kissing babies.

To demonstrate the safety of products for infants made by Munchkin Inc. of Van Nuys, Wilson struggled to yank the nipple off a cap to a baby bottle before a crowd of reporters. Wilson made a stop at the Munchkin plant to meet with members of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, a group of California merchants who support tort reform.

Munchkin executives explained that although the company prides itself on the high safety level of its products, it has to be insured for $5 million in liability for every shipment it makes.

Munchkin presented Wilson with a series of baby bottles emblazoned with the words “I’m for Pete” and “Pete for Prez.”

“I’m flattered,” said Wilson, who added that the slogans were “unauthorized” but nonetheless “pleasing.”