Forbes, Visiting O.C., Backs Proposition 227

Seizing an opportunity to draw a distinction between himself and the White House, potential presidential candidate Steve Forbes embraced Proposition 227 during a speech at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Thursday night.

Before an audience of 600 community and business leaders, Forbes criticized the Clinton administration for opposing the initiative that seeks to end bilingual education in California.

Set to go before voters in June, Proposition 227 seeks to place children with limited English-speaking skills into mainstream classes after about a year of English immersion classes. With limited exceptions, it would effectively end the practice of teaching in foreign languages. The Clinton administration opposes Proposition 227 and favors less extreme changes.

Forbes likened passing the initiative to helping children and their parents achieve the American dream.

“If you know English, the doors of opportunity are wide open,” said Forbes. He called passing Proposition 227 “the compassionate thing to do.”

Forbes, a 1996 Republican presidential candidate and publisher of Forbes magazine, made his remarks during a speech at the Orange County’s Business Council’s annual dinner. Many observers said they believe Forbes was using the platform to begin building support for another White House run.