NEWPORT BEACH Gibson A. Jones, 34, was found dead yesterday in his Newport Beach condominium, with a gunshot wound to his head. Jones had served as campaign manager for Max Dorling, the Democrat challenging Congressman Stan Nielsohn in the hotly-contested 53rd District,

File Photo
Gib Jones, 34.

  Police investigators disclosed that Jones' condominium, in a fashionable section of Newport Beach, had been ransacked. Officials have not completely ruled out the possibility that Jones was murdered in a botched robbery attempt homicide, although much of the evidence points to suicide. The County coroner is currently conducting a full autopsy.

  Police learned of the death through an associate of Jones’ who asked to remain anonymous. Neighbors did not report hearing any suspicious noises, but they pointed out that loud construction work on the street would easily have drowned out any gunshots.

  Dorling issued a prepared statement from his campaign headquarters. "Gib Jones was an invaluable advisor and a trusted friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. In his absence, I vow to work even harder to make myself the representative in Washington that the people of the 53rd District so valiantly deserve." Dorling also said that an upcoming fund-raising dinner chaired by Jones will not be canceled. "His memory will pervade the ballroom from the decor to the food on our plates," said Dorling.

  Incumbent Stan Nielsohn was unavailable for comment.

  Analysts are unsure how Jones' death will affect the 53rd District race. Orange County political watcher Marvin Rostansovich commented that, "If Dorling mourns effectively, he will likely gain sympathy from voters." But others question whether the Dorling campaign runs the danger of losing its focus and decaying into disorganization without Jones at the helm.

  Jones is survived by a sister, Wilma, in Tucson.