Republicans rally in Long Beach

Party vies for last-minute votes

By Wes Woods, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, November 3, 1998

With Inglewood High School cheerleaders on two sides creating an aisle, an enthusiastic audience waving colorful signs and a live jazz-influenced band, it felt like a high school football game.

Instead of shoulder-padded athletes charging down the aisle, however, it was suit-and-tie clad Republicans who brought the crowd of about 150 into a frenzy.

The Republican rally was held Monday in Long Beach's Marina Pacifica Marketplace for the entire political ticket, with Dan Lungren and Matt Fong being the focal points.

"This [crowd] is by far the most energetic, dynamic ... " but before former California Governor George Deukmejian could finish, the partisan crowd cut him off with resounding cheers and sign waving.

Many of the rally's early speakers focused on the importance of getting Republican voters to bring their friends and families to the polls on Tuesday.

Former Baltimore Colts tight end John Mackey said then coach Don Shula hung a sign in the team's locker room that said T.E.A.M.

"It stood for Together Everyone will Achieve the Mission," he said. "It's necessary to get our [Republican] team out here. We're going to win on Tuesday and stay in office."

Instead of party differences, Fong said they need to focus on the things that bring Republicans together, while at the same time representing the diversity of California.

While other individuals have to fight for freedom by dying in their countries, in the United States "[Republicans] have to fight and vote-that's all we have to do," Lungren said.

Lungren's wife, Bobby, was presented with a big birthday cake emblazoned with a bear and was serenaded by the audience.

"I wish for a Republican victory tomorrow across the board," she said.

Other speakers included Pete Wilson, Tim Leslie, Ed Royce and numerous other local Republicans.