Candidate Gives $26,000 to GOP

William Yacobozzi Jr., a candidate in the 40th Congressional District, Friday made the largest contribution ever--$26,000--to the Orange County Republican Party for get-out-the-vote efforts.

Yacobozzi said he topped the previous record of $25,000 because “I hate being second place.�

He is one of 12 Republican candidates vying for the seat being vacated by Rep. Robert E. Badham (R-Newport Beach).

Asked why he did not instead invest the money in his own congressional campaign, Yacobozzi replied that he and his wife, Gabrielle, decided that they wanted to invest in the local party organization. He said he has lived in Orange County for 26 years and decided to give $1,000 for each year.