Rep. confident, but cautious

A day after Rep. Dana Rohrabacher pummeled dark-horse challenger Ron St. John in the 46th Congressional District GOP primary, he turned his sights on his Democratic opponent Debbie Cook.

In an election with no statewide candidates and a 17% turnout for Orange County, Rohrabacher trounced St. John, 25,905 (87.4%) to 3,729 (12.6%), respectively, in the final count.

Rohrabacher called his turnout numbers a good sign for the general election against Cook, Huntington Beach’s mayor.

“I received about twice as many votes as the Democratic nominee,” he said. “For every one vote she got from the voters, I got two. I thought that was a relatively significant number for those people fooling themselves into thinking this is a competitive district.”

Rohrabacher said he was feeling good about his chances but wouldn’t sleepwalk through the campaign.

“I’m confident, but I am not taking it for granted,” he said. “We have a very attractive candidate on the other side and someone who’s got a title. She’s very articulate in the advocacy of her positions. However, her positions are far too liberal for this district.”

An effort to reach Cook for comment was unsuccessful.

St. John said he wasn’t disappointed by the result; rather, he said he was glad he had the chance to communicate his views.

“My goal is not so much about winning a particular election as it is about trying to get the message across,” he said.

“It’s the message of free trade and the value that immigration brings to our country. It’s still a campaign I feel I am a part of in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the Republican party and in general.”

Despite his differences with Rohrabacher on immigration, St. John said he would be glad to support him in the fall.

FINAL PRIMARY RESULTS

REPUBLICAN

Dana Rohrabacher: 87.4%

Ron St. John: 12.6%

DEMOCRAT

Debbie Cook: 80.1%

Dan Kalmick: 19.9%

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at michael.alexander@ latimes.com.