Campbell gets nod from Rohrabacher

S.J. Cahn

It was a good week for Republican Assembly hopeful John Campbell.

First, Campbell received the endorsement of Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

(R-Huntington Beach), which added to the Irvine resident’s long list of

political backers.

Then, on Friday, his one Republican opponent, Clara Lincoln, dropped out

of the race. Lincoln, president of the Balboa Bay Republican Federated

Women’s Club, said she would support Campbell.

“As far as I know, she was the only person who filed [an intent to run],”

Campbell said.

The deadline to file papers was Friday night. As of three weeks ago, when

the intent to file deadline passed, no other Republican had decided to

run.

In the safe Republican 70th District, Campbell has a good chance of

heading to Sacramento in a year.

Nevertheless, he intends to run a solid campaign.

“I still need to get known in the district,” Campbell said. “And I need

to know the district.”

Lincoln could not be reached for comment. But in a statement, she said

she made her decision in order to spend time with her parents, who are

ill.

“I want to thank the many friends and GOP activists who volunteered their

support for my candidacy,” he said in the statement. “I regret having to

disappoint them.”

Campbell said he was pleased to have Rohrabacher’s support.

“Dana and I have had a good relationship for a while,” Campbell said.

Along with Rohrabacher, Campbell has been endorsed by state Sen. Ross

Johnson, county Supervisor Tom Wilson and Marian Bergeson.

Campbell’s potential Democratic opponent is Laguna Beach attorney Merritt

McKeon.