GOP's Jones scores two big endorsements

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Two California GOP leaders from opposite ends of the party have endorsed former state Secretary of State Bill Jones's 2004 campaign for U.S. Senate.

Jones, who is currently campaigning for the right to face off against U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., in November has won the endorsement of GOP Rep. Darrell Issa and former U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell.

Issa, who represents a district near San Diego, bankrolled the effort to qualify the recall of former Gov. Gray Davis for a statewide ballot. Campbell, who was the GOP's nominee for U.S. Senate in 2000 against Democrat Dianne Feinstein, has been a leader of the state party's liberal wing and led the effort to make California's primary elections more non-partisan.

Other Republicans vying for the nomination include former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, former California Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian and former Los Alton, Calif., Mayor Toni Casey. Boxer is currently unopposed for re-election.