Cook wins Democratic nomination

Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook sailed into the general election against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher this week after beating 25-year-old political newcomer Dan Kalmick in the 46th congressional district primary.

Cook scored a knockout on Kalmick in the primaries Tuesday, garnering 13,251 votes, or 80% of the vote in the final count. Kalmick managed to grab 3,323 votes, or 20% of the vote in early returns.

With a 17% voter turnout for Orange County and a predictable win for Cook projected, both candidates dispensed with the traditional election night watch parties.

Cook was on the road Tuesday night as the polls closed, on her way to visit her son who works for the U.S. Forest Service in Northern California before heading to a League of Cities meeting in Lake Tahoe.

“We’ve always focused on November, and we’ll continue to focus on November,” said Cook on her cellphone from the road. “We’re happy we’re past the June primaries, and we’ll continue to gain momentum toward our ultimate goal.”

Kalmick watched presidential primary results on television with roommates at his home in Huntington Beach and kept an eye on local election results online as early returns showed sparse support for his congressional bid.

“I’m very disappointed in voter turnout today...” Kalmick said. “We had no support from the Democratic party or any party activists, but we had a very good showing for no support — we’re optimistic because it kind of shows what you can do with no support. [Cook] had all the name recognition.”

Kalmick, a Seal Beach native and business technology consultant, would have been the youngest representative in Congress if he won the general election against incumbent Dana Rohrabacher.

Kalmick said he planned to stay involved in Democratic politics and would seek office again — possibly even making a bid for Cook’s seat on the Huntington Beach City Council this summer.

“This was a fantastic experience,” Kalmick said. “I loved meeting people and hearing different points of view. I love learning things and it’s something I’m interested in that can make a larger impact on things.”

Cook said building name recognition with voters would be her biggest obstacle in the November general election.

“You just have to get out and meet the voters and be comfortable with who you represent,” Cook said. “The supporters are awesome — they’ve been tireless and really fun to work with.”

Cook faced a lawsuit over her use of the title mayor of Huntington Beach on congressional ballots earlier this year from Keith Carlson, treasurer of the California Republican Party and a constituent in Cook’s district. GOP activist and attorney Mike Schroeder acted as Carlson’s attorney.

The lawsuit, which contended Cook couldn’t use the title on the ballot because it isn’t a directly elected possession, was eventually tossed out.

Cook said Tuesday that she expected more clashes with Republicans during the course of her campaign.

“I don’t let these things distract me — I just let the attorneys take that on — I’m sure they’ll be back, but we’ll just move forward.”

VOTER TURNOUT

Turnout was low at polls across Newport-Mesa Tuesday, election workers said.

“It’s been light, but people have been very friendly,” said election worker Fran Applegate, who has been volunteering at the polls for about 20 years. About 70 people had showed up to vote at Adams Elementary School in Costa Mesa by 5 p.m. Tuesday, where Applegate was working.

A lack of competitive races contributed to the low turnout, Applegate said. More people also were voting by mail, she said.

Only 24 people had turned out to vote in person at Costa Mesa City Hall from the time polls opened early Wednesday morning to 5 p.m., a particularly low turnout, said election worker Sally Brown, who has worked local polls for the past 25 years.

“It will be a whole different story in November,” Brown said “There are only the two state propositions and not a lot of competitive races, and then some judges on the ballot, and I think people just don’t really know or aren’t informed.”

Costa Mesa resident Karen McMurray said she only remembered to vote after hearing about Tuesday’s statewide primary on the radio.

“I think it’s sad that so few people are taking time to exercise their right to vote,” McMurray said. “I think a lot of people forgot there was an election.”

Costa Mesa voter Bill Susman, said he elected not to vote in the Tuesday congressional primary out of principle but wanted to cast his ballot on propositions 98 and 99, statewide propositions that would reform California eminent domain laws.

“I think people are fed up with the way things are,” Susman said. “People don’t want to vote for the guy that raises the most money. People should vote for me; I’d do a much better job.”

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.