Former Rep. Doug Ose, battling for the 4th district Republican nomination with state Sen. Tom McClintock, scored his second endorsement from a former Golden State governor in as many weeks Wednesday.

Ex-Gov. George Deukmejian (R) cited Ose’s record as a crime fighter as the reason for endorsing him.

“Doug is a staunch defender of the death penalty and a vocal advocate of victims’ rights and will do everything he can to address issues of violence and crime,” Deukmejian said in a statement.

Last week, Ose was endorsed by former Gov. Pete Wilson (R) in the race to replace retiring Rep. John Doolittle (R).

Ose represented the adjacent 3rd district for six years before retiring in 2004 to honor a term-limit pledge. He is considered a moderate on social issues, while McClintock is a hero to conservative groups.

The winner of the June primary is expected to face military veteran Charlie Brown, the 2006 Democratic nominee, in November.
— Josh Kurtz