Failure to Register as Democrat Puts Snag in Ralph Waite’s Campaign for Bono’s Seat

Actor Ralph Waite, best known as Pa from “The Waltons” television series, hit a paperwork snag in his bid for the Democratic nomination to succeed the late Rep. Sonny Bono.

Waite did not check a party affiliation when he filled out a new voter registration card in 1994, the Press-Enterprise reported Friday. Because he is not officially a Democrat, he cannot be the party’s nominee, said Pauline Chamberlin, assistant chief registrar of voters.

Surprised to hear that he wasn’t a registered Democrat, Waite said he would try to straighten out the mixup. Randy Mitchell, a member of the Riverside County Democratic Central Committee, said he was sure a challenge would prevail. Waite was going ahead with plans to hire staff and set up an office.

Election laws require that a candidate be a member of the party he or she represents for at least three months before the filing deadline.

The deadline is Feb. 23 for an April 7 special election to replace Bono. Widow Mary Bono is seeking the Republican nomination for the 44th Congressional District seat.