REGION: GOP bucks national trend in legislative races

By DAVE DOWNEY - Staff Writer | Wednesday, November 5, 2008 12:12 AM PST ∞

Despite the national tidal wave of Democratic victories, Republicans were headed for victory Tuesday in several state legislative seats representing GOP-dominated North County and Southwest Riverside County, according to early returns.

In the 66th Assembly District, Republican incumbent Kevin Jeffries of Lake Elsinore was leading in his bid for a second term against Democratic challenger Grey Frandsen of Temecula. Jeffries had 62 percent of the vote compared to 38 percent for Frandsen in the district, which spans Riverside and San Diego counties, with 39 percent of precincts reporting.

In the 73rd Assembly District, which takes in coastal North County and southern Orange County, Dana Point Councilwoman Diane Harkey was leading in the bid to replace outgoing Republican Assemblywoman Mimi Walters.

Harkey was well in front with more than 54 percent of the vote while Democratic business owner and educator Judy Jones of San Clemente had in excess of 39 percent. Libertarian business owner Andy Favor of Laguna Niguel had 6 percent. Those numbers were based on reports from 29 percent of precincts.

In the 74th Assembly District, which takes in a large share of North County, incumbent Martin Garrick of Solana Beach was well on his way to a second term with nearly 53 percent of the vote. Brett Maxfield, a Democrat from Encinitas, had almost 40 percent while Libertarian Paul King of Carlsbad had more than 7 percent, with results in from 29 percent of precincts.

The district takes in Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista.

To the south, Republican Nathan Fletcher of San Diego held a comfortable lead in his bid to represent the 75th Assembly District with 54 percent of the vote. Democrat Darren Kasai of Rancho Santa Fe had nearly 41 percent and Libertarian John Murphy of La Jolla had 5 percent, with 29 percent of precincts reporting.

The winner will fill the seat vacated by George Plescia and represent Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Poway and Rancho Bernardo.

Despite the comfortable margins, Republicans weren't quick to declare victory.

"I don't want to take anything for granted," said Garrick, who was watching returns at a GOP gathering in downtown San Diego. "I'm still watching."

If the lead in the 74th race holds up, Garrick said his priorities for the next legislative session will be protecting transportation dollars for North County, fostering a business-friendly climate and helping Sacramento leaders balance the state budget.

"I'll be going back up (Wednesday) afternoon, ready to work with the governor and the Republicans and Democrats in the special session to deal with the economic challenges that we have," he said.

Contact staff writer Dave Downey at (760) 745-6611, Ext. 2623, or ddowney@nctimes.com.