COUNTYWIDE : Lagomarsino Wins President’s Backing

Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) pulled off a political coup Wednesday, winning the written endorsement of President Bush for his reelection campaign.

Bush endorsed Lagomarsino, an 18-year incumbent, over Republican challenger Michael Huffington, who has extensive ties to the Republican Party and is the son of Bush’s ambassador to Austria.

A presidential endorsement is unusual in a Republican primary race. But Lagomarsino is facing his stiffest Republican competition in years and redistricting cut his political district in half.

At the urging of White House strategists, Lagomarsino decided to move north and run in a new district that covers Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The strategists wanted Lagomarsino to move rather than remain in Ventura County and run against fellow Republican Rep. Elton Gallegly of Simi Valley.

In his letter to Lagomarsino, the President praised the lawmaker for his “integrity, hard work and tireless efforts.”

In a prepared statement, Lagomarsino called the endorsement a “strong message . . . that I am the true choice of the elected GOP leadership from the President on down.”