There was the “Cornhusker kickback,” the “Louisiana purchase”—and the “Santa Ana sweetener.” Democratic Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez told a recent gathering of supporters—and confirmed to the Insider—that she got $100 million for a “clinic/hospital situation in OC” before voting for the historic (and controversial) March 21 healthcare reform. Sanchez said the money had been authorized but not appropriated and would have been taken away “without a particular fix in the final bill.” Sanchez said two other changes she wanted—to restore some teaching hospital money (benefiting UCI) and reducing Medicare cuts to areas such Orange County—already had been made. “Basically, I waited to see the final bill and made my decision on how it affected my constituents. Imagine that!” The measure passed 219-212 along partisan lines …
Another Sanchez (no relation) had a solid rookie season in the NFL. Mark Sanchez, of course, is the Mission Viejo High and USC star who quarterbacked the New York Jets into the AFC championship game in January. But the Insider is referring to Nick Sanchez, business litigator with Theodora Oringher Miller and Richman in Costa Mesa (and a former Yale quarterback). He became an NFL-certified sports agent to represent his younger brother. Last year Nick and super agent David Dunn (Athletes First, Irvine) negotiated a five-year, $60 million contract ($28 million guaranteed) for Mark. Nick took a calculatedly cautious approach to endorsements, wanting to minimize Mark’s distractions or risk that he’d be overhyped. “We wanted him to focus on football.” Nick said he OK’d last May’s GQ photo spread of a topless Mark with bikini-clad supermodel Hilary Rhoda because it was shot before the NFL draft or training camp. With a successful season under his belt and Jet fans comparing him to Joe Namath, it’s time for Mark to ramp up. His “heartthrob” promotion for “CBS Cares” on the Super Bowl telecast was a hit, and Nick says two major endorsement deals are imminent. Nick has picked up two more sports clients—Mark’s former Trojan receivers Patrick Turner, now with the Miami Dolphins, and Damian Williams, who’s in next week’s NFL draft. Nick’s hardest rookie adjustment? Getting used to the fan and media attention around Mark: “I still think, ‘Hey, that’s my little brother’” …
They’re keeping vigil in New York over Mark Sanchez’s left knee. Despite concern that he’s not yet running after Feb. 17 surgery, Mark assured that he “absolutely, without a doubt” will be ready by July practice …
Yes, the economy is bouncing back. Local businesspeople report that sales have picked up in the past four to six weeks …
Claremont McKenna College hosts a lunch with Mitt Romney Thursday at the Westin South Coast Plaza … In Remem-brance: Hoosier transplant Lana Chand-ler lit up the Gold Coast as a publicist and society writer. She downplayed her battle with cancer and did charity work to the end.
