GOP Loses Newt, Lands Heather

Newt’s out, Heather’s in.

House Speaker Newt Gingrich, stuck in Washington as Congress and President Clinton wrestle over the budget, was forced to cancel his fund-raiser for Republican congressional candidate Randy Hoffman this morning.

Taking his place--Heather Locklear.

Locklear, who plays the vampish super vixen Amanda on the popular television show “Melrose Place,” is a longtime friend and neighbor of Hoffman in Thousand Oaks and was happy to step in, said Todd Slosek, Hoffman’s campaign manager.

While disappointed Gingrich will be unable to show, “Heather Locklear isn’t bad,” Slosek said.

“We firmly welcome any appearance Heather Locklear can make,” he said.

Gingrich isn’t blowing off the event, which will be held at the exclusive Sherwood Country Club. The speaker plans to call in his speech.

Hoffman, former president of Magellan Systems Inc., a high-tech San Dimas company, is trying to unseat Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) in the 24th District. The district runs from Sherman Oaks to Thousand Oaks and includes Malibu.

Locklear and her husband, Richie Sambora, former guitarist for the rock group Bon Jovi, have also donated $1,000 to Hoffman’s campaign.