ANAHEIM : Candidate Says Jobs Key to Cutting Crime

Standing in front of an abandoned warehouse, Republican Assembly candidate Jim Morrissey on Wednesday touted his credentials as a small business owner and said that creating jobs is the best way to stop the rise in crime.

Morrissey, one of four Republicans hoping to capture the 69th Assembly District seat--held by Orange County’s only Democratic legislator--was accompanied by state Sen. Rob Hurtt (R-Garden Grove) and Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (R-Orange).

Hurtt and Conroy had clashed recently over endorsements in the contentious 70th Assembly District race. But in backing Morrissey they said they were joining forces “for the good of the party” and because they believe Morrissey’s business background makes him the most electable Republican in a district in which Democratic voters outnumber Republicans.

Hurtt said he commissioned a poll about three months ago--before the candidates were known--to find out what kind of candidate would appeal to voters in the 69th District, which includes parts of Anaheim, Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Morrissey, he said, “fits the district perfectly,” compared to another leading Republican candidate in the race, attorney Martin Ageson.

Ageson “is going to suffer a minus 20 points, according to our survey, because he’s moved (into the district) and he’s an attorney,” Hurtt said.

But Ageson said in a later interview that he has done a better job than Morrissey of raising campaign funds, an indication that he has widespread community support.

Campaign finance statements filed last week for the period ending March 17 showed Morrissey with a cash balance of about $2,000 more than Ageson. Morrissey, however, boosted his campaign coffers by lending himself $50,000.

“The poll was taken before I was in the race,” Ageson said.

Also vying for the nomination are Santa Ana resident Judy Buffin-Edge and businessman Virgel L. Nickell, who also ran two years ago.

Also endorsing Morrissey on Wednesday was Jo Ellen Allen, the 1992 Republican nominee in the 69th District, who lost in the general election to Democrat Tom Umberg of Garden Grove. Umberg is leaving to run for state attorney general.