The Political Landscape:

A new radio ad paid for by the Democratic National Committee takes aim at Rep. John Campbell for voting against a Democrat-backed health-care reform bill.

Campbell is one of 32 House Republicans named in a DNC “Hit List,” released after the House of Representatives narrowly passed a controversial health-care bill with little Republican support.

“In last year’s historic election, voters in California’s 48th Congressional District supported President Obama and his call for change,” a female announcer’s voice in the new radio spot says. “But when it came to fixing our broken health insurance system, Congressman John Campbell voted for more of the same.

“When the U.S. House passed health insurance reform that would provide Americans quality, affordable care, Congressman Campbell stood with the insurance industry, not the people he was elected to represent.”

All of the Republicans named come from districts that voted for Obama in the 2008 election.

Campbell is up for reelection in 2010, when he will face Democratic challenger Beth Krom, of Irvine, at the ballot box.

The DNC is trying to exert pressure on Republican legislators on the list with local events and media campaigns.

Campbell has been an outspoken opponent of a Democrat-backed health-care system overhaul.

COUNCILWOMAN LEECE’S MOTIVES OVER MOTTO QUESTIONED

A Costa Mesa resident angered over Councilwoman Wendy Leece’s crusade to display the motto “In God We Trust” in the Council Chambers questioned her motives for bringing the issue before the city Tuesday night.

“Why would you bring such a divisive issue to this city? This has nothing to do with patriotism,” Costa Mesa resident Andrew Barnes said to Leece at the meeting.

The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve displaying the motto in 3-inch high letters behind the council dais at City Hall.

Although the cost of placing the “In God We Trust” motto in the chambers will be covered by private donations, Barnes questioned how much of the city’s resources had gone into researching the issue and placing it on the council agenda.

Barnes told Leece that raising the issue will do great harm to any council member who’s leaning against the placement of the motto, arguing that their vote would be used against them during a reelection campaign as people would say “he or she voted against God.”

“Can you imagine what position this puts this person in?” he asked. “God help the council member that votes no on this. You’ve done a great disservice to your colleagues.”