Indicting a Mayor

Early this year, it seemed that Roger Hedgecock, 38, San Diego's dashing, telegenic liberal Republican mayor, was leading a charmed political life. A former environmental lawyer and avid surfer, Hedgecock was elected in May 1983 to complete the term of Republican Pete Wilson, who had left for the U.S. Senate. In 16 months Hedgecock formed a broad-based political coalition in a traditionally conservative city, and was considered a shoo-in for election to a full four-year term this November. But last week a county grand jury returned a 15-count felony indictment against the mayor and three of his closest political backers.

Hedgecock, the indictment charged, illegally received $357,150 for his 1983 campaign from Currency Trader J. David Dominelli and his business partner-girlfriend, Nancy Hoover. The money was allegedly funneled into the campaign through a political consulting firm set up by Hedgecock's friend Tom Shepard. The four defendants face prison terms of up to eight years and $5,000 fines if they are convicted. With the election only five weeks away, a steadfast Hedgecock said to a crowd of,voters, "I'm on the job every day, seeking the best for my city. And I'm going to keep doing that just as long as you let me."