Councilman Rush Hill Endorses Daigle for State Assembly

Newport Beach City Councilwoman Leslie Daigle garnered the support of her colleague Councilman Rush Hill Monday in her race for the state Assembly.

Hill endorsed Daigle in a released statement saying she has the strongest background to represent the 74th District which includes Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and parts of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Laguna Woods. He also criticized Democrat Bob Rush, one of Daigle's opponents.

“I’ve worked closely with Leslie on the most important issues facing our city — cutting our budget to live within our means, pension reform, more effective approaches to service delivery, and encouraging economic growth — and she is serious about finding solutions and effective in forging alliances on the council,” Hill said.

Hill, who spent time as a key education advisor to Ronald Reagan, went on to say Daigle's views are similar to those of Reagan.

“Her instincts are consistently conservative, but her approach to problem-solving is open, constructive, creative and collegial,” Hill said. “In that respect, she reminds me of the best qualities of Ronald Reagan.”

In his warning to voters, Hill said that Rush -- a critic of Newport Beach City Hall-- he entered the race late after reregistering as a Democrat to be a spoiler.

“His entire campaign so far has focused on criticism of Leslie, which is his right in America,” Hill said. “But voters should be aware of his opportunistic party change and limited negative campaign focus. Several years ago he similarly financed an independent expenditure campaign against City Councilman Steve Rosansky that ultimately failed.”

In response to the endorsement, Daigle thanked Hill for his support of her campaign against incumbent Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) saying, "Rush Hill’s history and standing in our community is legendary, and I deeply value and appreciate his support, counsel and friendship.”

The two candidates who receive the most votes in the June 5 open primary will move onto the November general election.