Brooks, Bradbury Endorse Mikels

Ventura County’s top lawmen threw their political muscle behind Supervisor Judy Mikels on Tuesday by formally endorsing her against Assemblyman Tom McClintock for the seat being vacated by Republican state Sen. Cathie Wright.

Sheriff Bob Brooks and Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury flanked Mikels at a brief morning appearance and explained why they are supporting her in the 19th Senate District primary.

Both praised Mikels, a Republican, for supporting a county ordinance that funnels $40 million annually in state sales taxes to the budgets of the sheriff, district attorney, public defender and probation chief.

Supporting those funds for law enforcement demonstrates that Mikels is “a proven leader who has put taxpayers and public safety first,” Brooks said.

Mikels said she is also being endorsed by former Sheriff Larry Carpenter, who attended the news conference, and former Ventura County congressman Robert Lagomarsino.

McClintock (R-Northridge) is Mikels’ opponent in the March 7 Republican primary for the seat covering most of Ventura County and parts of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys.

The winner will face Democrat Daniel Gonzalez, a Simi Valley lawyer who is uncontested in the primary, on the November ballot.