Candidate’s Backers Call Valley Critical to His Election Hopes

Bob Dole talked tough in the San Fernando Valley on Wednesday, in an attempt to appeal to voters in a region his supporters view as a critical stronghold for Republicans.

First at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in West Hills, then later at a rally geared toward members of various ethnic groups at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, Dole spoke out on such familiar topics as crime, drugs and lower taxes.

“We’re going to carry California,” Dole told about 300 supporters gathered in a Sportsmen’s Lodge courtyard. “Dole and Kemp are two four-letter words you can teach your kids.”

The Republican presidential candidate, whose running mate is Jack Kemp, spent about 15 minutes addressing the crowd before stepping down to shake hands and pose for photographs. Among the many placards held by supporters were those reading: “Afro Americans for Dole & Kemp,” “Hungarians for Dole,” and “Asian American for Dole/Kemp.”

Many of those attending the rally were not from the Valley, but Dole’s presence in the area was significant nonetheless, his supporters said.

“The San Fernando Valley is very important to the Republican base,” said Kenneth L. Khachigian, a Dole spokesman. “This is an area where we have a lot of swing voters. The San Fernando Valley is a critical area.”

Sofia Garcia Conde Zuckerman, former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, said the rally was important because it highlighted the complexity of those who live in the region.

“I am very happy that he was here because California is not just downtown or South Central or East Los Angeles,” she said. “The Valley is a mosaic of so many ideologies and people that I think it was a good idea for him to be here.”

Whether the visit ultimately makes a difference to a campaign that many believe is in desperate need of an energy boost seemed to be anybody’s guess.

Paul Clarke, a Northridge-based corporate political consultant, said the Dole visit to the area made sense and followed past practices by other Republican candidates.

“I think it’s an important vote-getting device,” Clarke said. “It pays to pay your dues. Crime is always a good topic, or immigration.”

But that view was not shared by Rick Taylor, a Los Angeles-based political consultant.

Taylor said the Valley, especially the West Valley, would normally be a natural and important campaign stop for Dole, but its importance is diminished significantly by the candidate’s weak campaign. Recent polls show Dole far behind President Clinton in the presidential race.

“I don’t think anything right now is going to turn it around for him,” Taylor said. “He doesn’t have a message that is connecting with the American people.”

Still, many of those who were at the rally in Studio City were convinced Dole was the right man for the job, and they believed he could still close the gap between himself and Clinton.

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Several people spoke of being impressed with the longtime senator’s integrity, national leadership record and his ability to command respect on a world stage far better than Clinton.

“If you really want to be fair you have to make a real comparison,” said Mohammed Kahn of Lakewood. “Dole has been in public service most of his life. His experience has taught him. The presidency is not a training ground.”

Asha R. Knott of Torrance said it is important for voters to dispel stereotypes that the Republican party is against members of minority groups.

“If you are equally good you get the chance,” said Knott, an Asian-Indian activist who wore a Dole/Kemp cap and buttons. “The message has to go out that he cares. . . . For the good of our future, minorities need to work for Republicans.”