BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

In Washington, D.C., the wrangling over campaign finance reform

continues. The latest study by the Center for the Study of Elections and

Democracy at Brigham Young University suggests the two parties spent

nearly $500 million in soft money during the last election.

It’s a mind-boggling issue.

Next week, Newport-Mesa residents will have the chance to clear up

these dazzling figures when Darryl Wold, a member of the Federal Election

Commission, talks at the Speak Up Newport’s 20th annual Mayor’s Dinner

Feb. 15 at the Newport Beach Marriott.

Wold, who before joining the commission in 1998 was an attorney in

Orange County, will lead a discussion titled “The Next Election: Counting

Money, Counting Votes and Really Counting.”

Wold, a Republican whose law degree is from Stanford University, is a

member of the California bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S.

Supreme Court.

Not to be lost in the election fray, Newport Beach Mayor Gary Adams

also will give a “State of the City” address at the meeting.

Tickets for the event are still available and cost $50 per person.

A no-host cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., and dinner will begin at

7 p.m.

Information: (949) 224-2266.