Dem aims to unseat Tran

With about 20,000 more Republicans than Democrats registered in his state assembly district, few people expect Democratic candidate Ken Arnold to unseat Assemblyman Van Tran, but the computer programmer and businessman thinks he could bring some pragmatism to the office.

Because he has experience running a business and dealing with technology, Arnold thinks he can make some practical changes that improve government efficiency and reform business regulations in ways that transcend partisan politics.

Arnold said government regulation of business can be effective, but that he’s had to deal with regulations that stifle his business because they’re poorly designed, overly complex and too far-reaching.

“I understand the impact of government regulations on business,” Arnold said. “I’d like to not impose on business any more than is necessary.”

Helping government agencies implement technology effectively is another place where Arnold thinks he can put his expertise to good use.

Many agencies — such as the DMV, the police and the county sheriff — widely use computer systems that could be upgraded.

Arnold says he knows how to make those systems more accessible, more efficient and cheaper to obtain.

Arnold has never run for the state legislature before. He credits Melahat Rafiei, the executive director of the Orange County Democratic Party, for persuading him to give it a shot.

The two met while they were working for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign a few years back.

Rafiei thinks Arnold makes a good candidate because he is soft-spoken and has been very involved in fighting for universal health care, veterans’ benefits and senior citizens.

“Ken is middle class and understands the struggles of the middle class,” Rafiei said.

He still has a mountain to climb because Democrats are outnumbered in the 68th District almost three to two, but the excitement about the presidential race will help to boost his chances, according to Rafiei.

Vern Nelson, a Democratic political activist, has worked with Arnold to advocate for health-care reform. He thinks that Arnold’s analytical thinking skills will be an asset if he gets elected to office.

“He’s one of the most generous people I know. He’s really easygoing and diplomatic,” Nelson said.

Even if he’s unsuccessful at securing his own legislative seat, though, Arnold hopes that he can help other local and national candidates he supports, like Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook in her bid to unseat Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.