Horcher Goes to Work as Democratic Party Adviser

Former Republican Assemblyman Paul V. Horcher, ousted by San Gabriel Valley voters last month after defecting from the party and supporting Democrat Willie Brown for Speaker, has a new job--with the state Democratic Party.

“I am a consultant for the state Democrats,” said Horcher, who in the last year has switched from Republican to independent and finally to Democrat after his recall. “I decided to help. I believe the Democratic Party is moving into the mainstream and the Republican Party is moving away.”

Horcher, an attorney, is studying ballot initiatives for the party. He officially began work June 15, based in his Diamond Bar home.

The maverick legislator was overwhelmingly recalled May 16 after being branded a traitor by Republicans in December for switching from the GOP to an independent and giving Brown (D-San Francisco) the one-vote edge he needed to retain the speakership for another six months. Horcher switched his affiliation to Democrat two days after the recall.

Democrats kicked in more than $1 million and hundreds of precinct walkers to defend Horcher in the recall election. Republicans, led by Assembly Republican Leader Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga), made a similar effort to oust him with busloads of supporters pouring into the 60th Assembly District in the east San Gabriel Valley.

Steven Smith, state party political director, said Horcher is being employed because of his skills as an attorney and his experience in politics. Smith declined to say how much Horcher is being paid.

Republicans expressed little surprise at Horcher’s new employment.

“He’s finally going to get paid for something he has been doing for some time,” said Assemblyman Robert Margett (R-Arcadia).

“Obviously the pay-backs never cease,” said Assemblyman Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar), who replaced Horcher.

But Horcher had his own quip in response: “I thought Republicans are for employment. I just guess not mine.”