Photo by Amy Beth Bennett

Kemp courts Long Beach

Republican vice-presidential canidate Jack Kemp spoke to a crowd of approximately 500 supporters at the Long Beach airport's Airflite Aviation hangar.

It was part of a campaign to win California's support and to announce the endorsement of their ticket by 150 professional athletes and OIympians.

Presidential candidate Bob Dole, who was expected to attend the rally, was reportedly in Anaheim at the time, according to the Long Beach Republican Headquarters.

Kemp stepped out of the Dole/Kemp "Partner's Ship" jet after being introduced by past California governor George Dukemejian and a group of about 20 professional athletes and former Olympians.

Kemp supporters included 20 athletes and entertainers who stood behind him on stage.

Bo Derek, Billy Barty and Chad Everett were the celebrity republicans on stage.

A list of another 150 current and professional athletes who endorse the Dole-Kemp ticket was handed out.

Olympians such as Jim Naber and Madeline Manning Mimms, as well as football stars John Mackey and Ben Scotti, were introduced as Dole/Kemp supporters.

"These are not only some of America's best athletes, they are also role models for what we should teach our children," said Kemp at the rally.

Tim Sacks, 22, a Cal State Long Beach mechanical engineering major, was at the rally in support of Dole and Kemp.

"Even if you're a Democrat or a Republican, no matter who you are you give 15 percent of your paycheck to taxes," Sacks said. "So he (Dole) is going to reduce your taxes to 15 percent no matter who you are."