The fact that Rep. Jane Harman hired a nanny in 1989 who had not yet completed her paperwork to get a U.S. work permit is not news. It was reported five years ago when Harman defended President Clinton's nominees who were found to have legal problems with their own domestics.

But Harman's nanny became the state's hottest political topic last week when the Los Angeles Times reported the issue anew. So Harman, now a Democratic candidate for governor, faced the issue again. And in her brief discussion with reporters before a meeting of the National Women's Political Caucus in Concord, it appeared that the issue may develop into a significant political dilemma for the three-term Congresswoman.

That's because Harman freely acknowledged that the nanny worked for her even though she had not yet obtained a work permit. As Harman noted, the woman was in the country legally. But the fact that she worked without proper papers could pose problems for Harman as the June 2 primary election day nears.

Polls show Harman, a multimillionaire, in a virtual tie with Democratic rival Al Checchi. With few issues separating them clearly in voters' minds, the nanny controversy could prove of major negative significance to Harman's political fortunes.

In 1994, the legal status of Gov. Pete Wilson's maid figured prominently in the election. It was promptly forgotten after the Republican governor easily won re-election. Similarly, the domestics of both Michael Huffington and incumbent Dianne Feinstein became issues during their race for the U.S. Senate, which Democrat Feinstein narrowly won.

For whatever reason, controversy over the status of a candidate's domestic employees resonates strongly with voters, regardless of the candidate's party affiliation. That's especially true when allegations are made that a candidate neglected to pay the proper taxes -- Social Security taxes, for example -- for a domestic.

Perhaps it's the notion that people wealthy enough to afford maids and nannies should be held strictly accountable. Or perhaps it's the realization that most candidates, despite their efforts to forge links with the common voter, enjoy a standard of living beyond the reach of most Californians.

Whatever the reason, controversy surrounding the employment of a candidate's domestic raises immediate danger signals for a political campaign.

When attention focused on Harman's situation, all the other candidates in the race were quick to point out that they had no similar problems. Checchi, a near billionaire and the father of three children, said his domestics were carefully screened by an employment agency. Fellow Democrat Gray Davis doesn't have children, and Republican Dan Lungren, whose children are grown, didn't have a nanny.

The big question for Harman is what, if anything, Checchi will do with the issue.

Checchi, who has spent a record $22 million on his campaign thus far, has the resources to mount a major television advertising blitz targeting the Harman nanny controversy. If he does, Harman is all but certain to be wounded politically.

For a race that is a dead heat going into the final six weeks, the issue could prove decisive.

The Book of Revelation refers to a statement by Jesus, "I would rather you were cold or hot. Because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth!" The Republican hierarchy has become so lukewarm that many party members are also ready to do some spitting. Checchi and Harman represent the "coldness" of liberalism, but some sense a hope they'll do something non-socialist. Fat chance!

-Gerald V. Todd

The November election for Governor of the State of California will be the number one target of both the Republican and Democratic parties nationally. Assuming a Democratic majority in both the State Assembly and Senate, the Governor, in 2000 as in 1990, will be the key to re-apportionment. A veto will send the issue to the Supreme Court and the result will most likely be as last time. The difference will be approximately 15 seats in the House of Representatives, a swing of 30.

Do you really think that Newt Gingrich, or the national campaign is going to allow Dan Lungren to be outspent and lose control of Congress? If I were Dan, I wouldn't have waited this long. He should be shaping his issues and his image while the money monsters assail one another. What could be more obscene than what our "campaign reformers" have wrought? Only mega-millionaires need apply for public office.

Bill Gates for President!

-Shelly Sloan

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