Diane Harkey

Diane Harkey
Member of the California State Assembly from the 73rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office December 1, 2008
Preceded by	Mimi Walters
Mayor of Dana Point, California
In office December 13, 2006 – December 4, 2007
Preceded by	Lara Anderson
Succeeded by	Joel Bishop
Dana Point City Councillor
In office December 8, 2004 – December 1, 2008
Preceded by	William Ossenmacher
Succeeded by	Scott Schoeffel
Personal details
Born	June 20, 1951 (1951-06-20) Joliet, Illinois
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Dan
Children	Jaclyn
Residence	Dana Point, California
Alma mater	University of California, Irvine
Occupation	Banker
Religion	Roman Catholic
Website	Official Assembly Site

Diane Lynn Harkey is a former Council Member and Mayor of the City of Dana Point, California. She is currently the Republican representative in California's 73rd State Assembly district.

Early years and education

Harkey resided in Coastal Orange County for over 35 years.^{[citation needed]} She has a Bachelors of Arts from the University of California, Irvine and has served as a Vice-President in the banking industry. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of California-Irvine, Harkey earned a degree in Economics and has had a 20 year career in corporate banking and finance.^{[citation needed]}

Political Career

Harkey's involvement in public affairs began in 1989, when she actively campaigned for the incorporation of the City of Dana Point. Harkey has served as a Board Member of the Ocean Institute and Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group, a Trustee for the Capistrano Valley Symphony, and a Member of the Chamber of Commerce. She was elected to the Dana Point City Council in 2004, and served as its Mayor in 2007.

In 2006, Harkey ran against then-Assemblyman Tom Harman for the 35th State Senate District in one of the closest California State Senate races in the state's history. Harman defeated Harkey for the Republican nomination by 236 votes or roughly 0.2% of the vote and went on to win the general election by 44,000 votes.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008, she ran as the Republican nominee for the 73rd State Assembly district against Democratic nominee Judy Jones. Harkey received the endorsements of the Republican Congressional delegation in the district, Assemblywoman Mimi Walters (who vacated the seat to run for State Senate), former opponent State Senator Tom Harman, as well as over 80 elected officials in Orange and San Diego Counties, and the Republican Assembly Women's Caucus. Harkey won the election with 53.4% of the vote compared to Jones, who received 40.6% of the vote.

Harkey represents the communities of Aliso Viejo, Camp Pendleton, Dana Point , Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Political Positions

Harkey is politically a conservative Republican: she supports Proposition 13, is in favor of controlling illegal immigration to the United States and opposes Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants. She is considered pro-life having been endorsed by the California Pro-Life Council. She has earned a 100% rating from the California Chamber of Commerce

External links

• Official Assembly web site
• Official Assembly Campaign web site

California Assembly
Preceded by Mimi Walters	California State Assemblywoman 73rd District 2008–present	Incumbent