VENTURA COUNTY NEWS : Party Time : Democrats Rake Republicans Over Coals at Annual Holiday Picnic

The county’s Democrats spent their Labor Day serving up burgers and skewering Republicans.

With a determined optimism, the Democrats kicked off the political season. But instead of the usual Labor Day sprint to a November election, candidates are gearing up for the March primary, then a long-distance run to the fall 2000 general election.

“We’re zeroing in on the Republicans. We’re up and at ‘em,” said Hank Lacayo, chairman of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee. “If Jesse Ventura can do it in Minnesota, we can do it here.”

Elsewhere, Ventura County’s Labor Day was relatively low-key.

Police reported a few minor traffic accidents, and the California Highway Patrol arrested at least 32 motorists on suspicion of drunk driving.

A fire flared briefly near Lake Piru, but charred only a few acres before it was contained, said a county Fire Department spokesman.

There were no reported rescues at the county’s sunless beaches, said Brandon Chapman, a lifeguard at San Buenaventura State Beach.

“I’m surprised there’s anyone out here at all,” said Chapman, wearing a parka zipped to his chin.

But in a picnic that drew 150, Democrats did create a little heat.

First, they moved their annual event to Conejo Creek Park in the Republican stronghold of Thousand Oaks.

They said they thought the change was symbolic of their hopes of making inroads into rival turf this campaign.

Michael Case, a Ventura lawyer, said he has a strong shot against six-term incumbent Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley).

“I’m where Ventura County’s people are. Elton’s never been there,” said Case, a self-described moderate, repeating a theme on which he thinks Gallegly is vulnerable. “I’m a consensus maker. Elton only speaks to a particular part [of the electorate].”

Case said he hopes to raise $1 million for the battle, and has already raised $100,000. By contrast, Gallegly reported recently that he has about $800,000 in the bank.

Case said he’ll eventually kick his campaign into high gear--and cut back on his law practice--but not just yet.

“We’re 13 months away,” he said.

Port Hueneme Councilman Jon Sharkey, challenging Assemblyman Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), said the 13 months offer him the ideal opportunity for the money-raising and door-to-door campaigning he needs to win. With about $15,000 in his coffers, Sharkey hopes to reach $250,000.

Strickland spent about $450,000 to win last year.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Sharkey said. “I’m a plow horse, not a racehorse.”

Sharkey, who wears his silver hair in a ponytail, said he doesn’t expect his long locks to put off voters. Strickland’s hair is closely cropped.

“My hair’s not too long,” Sharkey said. “His is too short.”

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Democrats consider the race to succeed state Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley) the most interesting of the season. So far, it’s between between two Republicans, Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Northridge) and county Supervisor Judy Mikels.

But Democrat Dan Gonzalez, a Simi Valley lawyer, said Monday he is still considering entering the race. He said he worries about how his entry would affect the campaign of Mikels, whom Democrats tend to prefer over the more conservative McClintock. Gonzalez thinks he might split the moderate vote with Mikels.

California’s open primary system allows voters to cast ballots for any candidate regardless of party.

“I know some moderates who would wait until hell freezes over to vote for McClintock,” he said. “That would cost her if I were in the race. I haven’t always agreed with her, but she’s someone I can talk to.”

Gonzalez expects to make a decision in about three weeks.

On the Republican side, Paul Leavens, chairman of the county Central Committee, pointed to the Gallegly race as interesting. And not because Case is in it. Leavens said the GOP candidacy of former Playboy playmate Patricia McClain is noteworthy, but hardly a threat to the incumbent.

“She’s going to be a minor irritation, but I don’t think she’s got a shot,” Leavens said. “She’ll have a following, but Elton’s doing too much good work.”

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The Republicans’ annual fall barbecue is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Camarillo Grove Park. In the meantime, the Democrats said Monday they think the county is theirs to win this time.

“The Republicans feel they’ve won the east county by default,” Lacayo said. “This will be our battleground. We’re going to bring all the closet Democrats out.”