Irvine : Press Meets Democrats to Boost His Campaign
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Bill Press, the KABC-TV commentator who wants to run against Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.) in 1988, met with Orange County Democrats on Thursday in an effort to boost his fledgling and as yet unannounced campaign.
“I think it’s do-able,” said Press, 47, referring not just to beating Wilson, but to capturing the nomination in the face of stiff competition from Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy and possibly from Secretary of State March Fong Eu.
Press said he needs $3 million to mount a campaign in the June primary. He has about $120,000 in the bank. In addition, Press said he has events scheduled that he estimated would net $750,000.
In an interview before he appeared at the Democratic Associates and Foundation Support Group at an Irvine hotel, Press criticized McCarthy, saying he has failed to stand up to Gov. George Deukmejian on such issues as education and toxic wastes.
Press later said that, if elected, he would propose a federal toxic polluters strike force similar to the federal organized crime strike force. His proposed strike force would result in putting toxic polluters in jail, he said.
He said he thought Orange County could be “pivotal” in his effort.
“I’m going everywhere I can to line up political and financial support,” Press said.
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