Democrat Erin Brockovich backs Republican for state Senate

Tony Strickland, a Republican running for state Senate, is getting some high-profile help in appealing to crossover voters with a TV commercial featuring Erin Brockovich, whose work as a sexy, quick-thinking consumer advocate was portrayed by Julia Roberts on the big screen.

Strickland is in a tough race against Democrat Hannah Beth Jackson, in the Ventura County-based 19th Senate District. He's betting that having Brockovich, a Democrat, cross party lines to help his campaign will win over undecided voters.

"Look, we don't always agree, but who does?" Brockovich says in the spot. "Tony listens, he's open to new ideas, and he gets it done. And that's good enough for me."

Brockovich rose to fame when she helped Thousand Oaks-based attorney Ed Masry win a $333-million judgment against Pacific Gas & Electric Co. for contaminating groundwater serving the small town of Hinkley, Calif. The story of Brockovich's life helped Julia Roberts win an Oscar. No doubt Strickland's looking at that winning streak and hoping three's a charm.

--Patrick McGreevy & Veronique de Turenne

Photo credit: Associated Press