The 1st Congressional District is at play. Democrat Jim Reed can beat Doug LaMalfa. Why? Because Jim Reed is a much better candidate and if we can help him get the word out LaMalfa is toast.
I must admit that it is a part of California I never been to. But I will.
The 1st is right up against Oregon, north of Sacramento and it seems beautiful. Interstate 5 runs through it. Half of it is national forests; Modoc, Shasta, Plumas, Lassen. The rest are agricultural areas. The largest cities are Redding and Chico with about 90,000 people each.
It's a new district therefore there are no incumbents. Still Doug LaMalfa served a short time as Republican Senator in Sacramento for the 4th Senate District until he resigned.
These are the demographics of the district;
Population: 783,000
Democrats: 31.5% Republicans: 43.3% Decline To State: 18.9%
White-82.16%. Hispanic-11.98%. Asian-2.4%. Black-1.37%.
So more Republicans than Democrats but a very significant number of decline to states. That is the key.
Hispanics are less numerous than in other parts of California but they should back Jim Reed solidly at least because LaMalfa has been campaigning with Pete Wilson and this is his position on immigration;
America needs a clear and enforceable policy that promotes legal immigration and doesn’t reward illegal immigration. Amnesty is not an acceptable option. Everyone who enters the country needs to have legal documentation.
The current policy does not work and America sends a mixed message when it says to those who come here illegally: don’t come but if you do we’ll provide drivers licenses and in state tuition or a sanctuary city to live in.
This diary by paradise50 is a great summary of LaMalfa's positions and situation;
Doug LaMalfa (R)...Why Won't he Debate? Thickets of Ambiguity
In the diary he points out;
Keep in mind how well the GOP Trickle Down economics scheme has worked for him. Doug LaMalfa (R) has made over $5,000,000 in farm subsidies...government hand outs. And he gets more and more government money each and every year...money which we each pay in taxes goes straight into his bank account.
Short version, LaMalfa is the worst kind of Republican. I mean, the guy is arrogant, a liar and ignorant;
Doug LaMalfa, California GOP Congressional Candidate, Backs Off Abortion Link To Cancer Claim
And he said this regarding global warming;
"The science regarding man made global warming is mixed at best. The earth was both warmer and colder than current temperatures prior to the industrial revolution. Since Mars is warming also I find it hard to blame mankind for warming across the entire solar system. I do not support returning California or the nation to the Stone Age to test a theory."
So what about Jim Reed?
Here are his positions on several issues. I don't agree on everything but he is certainly not a blue dog.
Jim Reed is one of us and he has stepped up to the plate to bat against a horrible Republican.
What I found amazing is the diffrenec in campaign funding between Jim and LaMalfa. As of last April LaMalfa had $331,725.37 cash on hand.
Jim Reed cash on hand in April? $2,115.54. He has raised $32,027 via Act Blue so far. But what a difference. 10 to 1.
So let's pitch in. The race is winnable. Here is his Act Blue page.
If we can get to the undecideds and decline to state in Redding and Chico we may be able to make a difference. I may be able to get up there for a couple of days around the 24th for GOTV. Any NorCal Kossacks willing to come along? I'll drive.