Robert Shaffer
GLENDALE -- While state Sen. Adam Schiff touted his endorsements by
area Republicans in his race to unseat Rep. James Rogan, a spokesman for
the congressman said the senator's supporters represent the "weak-kneed"
wing of the GOP.
Schiff, a Democrat representing Glendale, is challenging Rogan for his
seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has claimed more GOP
endorsements in the district than the twice-elected Rogan.
The reason for the switch?
Rogan's lead role in the impeachment of President Clinton, Schiff
asserts.
"It's really been pretty clear what both Democrats and Republicans
want in Congress," Schiff said. "What they really want is someone who can
work in a bipartisan fashion, making the needs of the district their top
priority -- instead of strident ideological crusades."
Schiff sent a news release this week with the names of 15 district
Republicans who have endorsed his candidacy. A Rogan Web site lists 10
who have put their support behind his campaign.
Schiff shouldn't be believed, said Rogan spokesman Jason Roe.
Rogan has eight or so endorsements that have not been put on the
Internet, he said, something he will do soon.
"Schiff's alleged advantage will be gone next week," he said.
Roe said Republicans supporting Schiff are doing the political
equivalent of sticking their thumbs in the wind to see which way the
political trends are moving.
They see California moving in a more Democratic direction, hence their
support for Schiff.
"Never in my life have I seen an election decided on endorsements,"
Roe said. "We're fighting for the voters in the 27th district. Adam
Schiff is the politician's choice."
Two Republicans politicians voting for Schiff are La Canada Flintridge
Councilwoman Deborah Orlik and Vasken Yardemian, a member of the
Crescenta Valley Town Council.
Orlik said she endorsed Schiff despite not agreeing with him on all
the issues. Schiff is articulate and analytical, she said.
"I vote for a candidate, not a party," she said. "Adam is moderate,
and I don't mean that in the political sense. He doesn't fly off the
handle. He's very logical."
Yardemian said he endorsed Schiff before Rogan announced he would seek
reelection.
"I like Rogan, he's a very nice guy, very intelligent and articulate,"
he said. "But one thing that is very important to me is that Adam Schiff
is very accessible. That's one thing I like about the guy, he returns
phone calls within a day or two."
Roe said with Rogan's job in Washington, geography prevents him from
