Cranston and Zschau Oppose AIDS Measure

SACRAMENTO — Sen. Alan Cranston and his Republican challenger, Rep. Ed Zschau, both have signed a ballot pamphlet argument opposing the AIDS initiative on California’s November ballot.

“It is an irrational, inappropriate and misguided approach to a serious public health problem,” the two November election foes said in their argument, released Wednesday by the secretary of state’s office.

“The proponents of this measure are followers of extremist Lyndon LaRouche. They want to create an atmosphere of fear, misunderstanding, inadequate health care and panic.”

Mailed to Voters

The two Senate candidates’ statement will appear in ballot pamphlets sent to voters by the secretary of state’s office shortly before the Nov. 4 election. The argument also is signed by the president of the California Medical Assn., Dr. Gladden Elliott.

The initiative would empower public health officials to test anyone suspected of carrying the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus, and could lead to a quarantine of victims of the deadly disease.

The measure also would ban those infected with the virus from working as food handlers and teachers or from attending California schools.

“The fear of quarantine or other discriminatory measures, including loss of jobs, will make people reluctant to be tested. Fearing social isolation, individuals at risk will avoid early medical intervention . . . driving AIDS underground,” the statement by Cranston and Zschau said.