(May 6, 2002) -- The O'Neill for Mayor write-in campaign has announced the endorsements of former Republican Governor George Deukmejian and two Democrat state legislators, Sen. Betty Karnette and Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal.
A press release from the O'Neill campaign quotes Deukmejian, a major state GOP figure and LB resident, as saying, "Beverly O誰eill brings people together to make Long Beach a city that works! I am proud to support Beverly O誰eill and encourage all Long Beach voters to write her in for Mayor on Tuesday June 4."
O'Neill, a Democrat, was a delegate to the party's 1996 Chicago convention that renominated Bill Clinton. She has also been endorsed by Republican Councilmembers Frank Colonna, Rob Webb and Jerry Shultz.
Meanwhile, Democrat State Senator Betty Karnette and Assemblymember Alan Lowenthal also endorsed O'Neill.
The campaign's release quotes Senator Karnette as follows: "Beverly O誰eill is a tireless and effective champion for Long Beach. She makes my job easier by mobilizing support to protect Long Beach痴 interests in the state legislature. I urge you to re-elect Mayor Beverly O誰eill."
Assemblymember Lowenthal is quoted as saying, "I have worked with Mayor O誰eill as a councilman and as a state legislator. She loves our city and really gets things done. Her passionate advocacy gives Long Beach real clout up in Sacramento. I urge my neighbors to vote for Beverly O誰eill."
Meanwhile, fourth place Mayoral finisher Councilman Ray Grabinski, termed out and facing a July exit from Council power, has endorsed O'Neill. During his Mayoral campaign, Grabinski repeatedly criticized aspects of City Hall's administration including the QW Bay project, championed by O'Neill.
The LB Firefighters Association has also now endorsed O'Neill.
LB fiscal reformer Norm Ryan, who finished third to O'Neill and Vice Mayor Dan Baker, is (like O'Neill) also waging a write-in campaign in the June 4 Mayoral election.
