The Political Landscape:

A prominent Republican attorney is suing Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook and the Orange County Registrar of Voters, alleging Cook has illegally referred to herself as “the Mayor of Huntington Beach” in conjunction with her campaign to unseat Rep. Dana Rohrabacher.

According to election code, candidates may not officially identify themselves with titles that are “only nominal, pro forma, or titular in character,” or as officials not elected by “the people” of their district. As Cook was selected, not elected, as mayor by her peers on the Huntington Beach City Council, the Democrat’s campaign is not entitled to employ the title, attorney Michael Schroeder said.

“We filed the lawsuit because she should know better — she’s an attorney, and does work in regulatory law and that sort of thing,” he said.

“It’s not appropriate for an elected official to be a scofflaw; she should comply with the law.”

While there are a number of Republican candidates in similar positions employing the title of “mayor,” such as Assembly candidates Jeff Miller and Neil Blais in the 71st district, Schroeder said he had no comment on whether or not they were also in violation of election codes.

“I’m not aware of that,” he said.

Cook said the lawsuit was an attempt to distract the voters from the real issues.

“I think it’s pretty clear we’re in compliance,” Cook said. “We’re going to keep working hard at getting elected, and not get distracted by stuff like this.”

“This is just the beginning,” said Cook Communications Director Joe Shaw.

“I don’t know what else they are going to bring; this is a pretty frivolous waste of taxpayer money. We should be talking about the issues. This is what people are sick of — partisan politics.”

Neal Kelley, the Orange County Registrar of Voters, said his office was staying neutral on the matter, and would comply with any decision rendered by the court.

BEING WOMAN OF THE YEAR TAKES A LOT OF HART

State Sen. Tom Harman recently picked former Newport Beach Mayor Evelyn Hart for the honor of Woman on the Year for the 35th congressional district.

“The 35th is a pretty large district, so I was really surprised that he chose me,” Hart said. “There’s a lot of good women in that district.”