Deukmejian Defends Lungren

SACRAMENTO — Gov. George Deukmejian today defended his appointee for state treasurer, declaring Rep. Daniel E. Lungren’s “integrity and qualifications are beyond reproach,” while attacking Senate Democrats who oppose the nomination.

“There’s no question that Dan Lungren has the qualifications that people want to see in a state treasurer,” the Republican governor told reporters at a hastily called Capitol news conference. Deukmejian, contending that his opponents are engaging in “partisanship and politics,” called the conservative lawmaker an “effective public servant” and said Senate Democrats have conducted a “prosecution” of his nominee. Lungren’s confirmation hearings began before the Senate Rules Committee this week.