Recent polls show Kamala Harris with a sizable lead over Loretta Sanchez for the US Senate seat vacated by the retiring Barbara Boxer. Because of the “top-two” primary system, this means that the two Democrats would face off in the general election. The history and utility of this system is not the subject of this diary—others have done a great job discussing this.
This diary is about the future. California has constitutional offices up for election in two years. There are some interesting conflicts brewing: Gavin Newsom vs. Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor; Darrell Steinberg vs. Kevin DeLeon for Lt. Governor; Dario Frommer vs. Dave Jones for Attorney General. There are many other candidates and other offices—this is just a sampling.
Will a Republican make it into ANY general election race in 2018? Donors are not idiots. They understand as well as anyone that no Republican has won a statewide election since 2006. We cannot say that a Republican will never win another statewide election, but it is very difficult to envision it right now.
First, we have to envision a Republican making it into a general election. With a statewide registration of 27.62% which Republican can make a lucid case that they can win enough votes to get into the general election? Not just for 2018, but beyond.
And for those in Northern California, there is a convention of the California Republican Party on April 29, 30 and May 1. The keynote speaker is Carly Fiorino, and Ted Cruz and John Kasich is on the schedule. It is not known is Donald Trump will show up.
Does anyone know if there will be some protests? Or should I just show up?