They’re Never Too Old to Play Politics

No longer content to discuss their displeasure with President Bush over tea and crumpets, the Leisure World Democratic Club of Laguna Woods has taken to the streets.

On Friday, senior citizens in sweatsuits, a frail man in a wheelchair and passersby gathered at one of the busiest intersections in Orange County -- El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway -- to poke fun at the president.

The focus of the political protest was an issue of some significance to the residents of Leisure World: health care.

Protesters held signs meant to be read in tandem, including “Bush’s Health Plan Simple and Slick:” “Just Say ‘No’ to Getting Sick.” Motorists honked their approval.

Jonathan Adler said he and his fellow Democrats plan to stage two rallies a day on the same corner until the election.

“We think that humorous jingles get under people’s skin and can make a difference,” said Adler, who wrote the jingles and organized the protests. “They say important things in a funny way.”

These are heady times for Leisure World Democrats; club membership has nearly doubled to 600 in the last four years.

Leisure World is second only to Santa Ana in the percentage of Democrats among its registered voters in the county, with Republicans in Laguna Woods outnumbering Democrats by fewer than 200 voters.

“Years ago, Democrats were nearly nonexistent around here,” said Lorraine Alkofer, vice president of campaigns for the local Democratic Club. “But this election is so big and potentially so frightening, I think people are really paying more attention.”

The Republican Club of Laguna Woods is also growing. It counts more than 550 members, having added 50 people in the last two months.

“Republicans are coming out of the woodwork,” said Connie Seger of the Republican Club. “I think people are saying, ‘We’ve got to do something about Kerry, we can’t let him in.’ ”

But while Laguna Woods Democrats are bashing President Bush’s Iraq and health care policies on busy street corners, Republicans are sticking to a more low-key approach -- having conducted voter registration drives at shopping malls and grocery stores and calling party members at home to keep them enthused.

“We don’t do protests,” Seger said.

But they do hold monthly luncheons, acting as host to such prominent Republicans as Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. The Laguna Woods Democrats also have some pull; Thursday they are welcoming Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

At the last Republican affair, a catered lunch served cordon bleu, salad, dessert and red and white wine. Adler said the Democrats were unprepared at their last get-together.

“I forgot to bring any food or drinks,” he said. “So we served white-hot venom and vile.”