GOP group endorses Sen. John Campbell

State Sen. John Campbell’s congressional campaign coffers might swell

now that he’s sewn up an endorsement from the New Majority, a major

Orange County Republican fundraising group.

Campbell is one of 10 Republicans running for the 48th

Congressional District seat left open when Rep. Chris Cox became

chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. A special primary

is set for Oct. 4.

Thursday, Campbell added the New Majority’s backing to a list that

already included an endorsement from the more conservative Lincoln

Club. The New Majority was established in 1999 by Republicans wanting

to become more inclusive by abolishing party litmus test issues such

as abortion.

The statement from the group said Campbell is “a proven tax

fighter” who will promote fiscally responsible government.

“It’s an extremely important endorsement, particularly as it

relates to the ability of Mr. Campbell to generate money to get his

message out to the voters,” Orange County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh

said.

The announcement prompted former Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer,

Campbell’s leading GOP opponent, to send out a statement criticizing

the New Majority’s choice.

“I think they were originally founded to support mainstream

candidates, and John Campbell does not represent that,” she said.

She said campaign polling shows voters in the 48th District

support abortion rights and stem cell research, two issues she backs.

To Baugh, the endorsements from the New Majority and the Lincoln

Club show Campbell can work successfully with the various factions

within the Republican party.

They’ll also make it more challenging for Brewer to raise money,

he said.

Brewer disagreed. “I don’t think it makes it any more difficult

than it is,” she said. “Politics is always tough, and I’m highly

encouraged by the support that I’ve received and the money I’ve been

able to raise.”

Both candidates recently reported passing the $500,000 mark in

their fundraising.

* ALICIA ROBINSON covers government and politics. She may be

reached at (714) 966-4626 or by e-mail at

o7alicia.robinson@latimes.comf7.