As
anthonyLA points out, Democratic candidate Francine Busby has opened up a lead in the race to replace Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham. In the latest LRP poll, Busby leads Republican Brian Bilbray, 47% to 40%.
To recap the situation in CA-50: it is a Republican district. Congressional Quarterly has ranked the vacant seat as "Republican leaning." On June 6th, voters will chose between Busby and Bilbray (and two other minor candidates) in a special election to fill out the remainder of Cunningham's term, which is up in November. June 6th is also the date of a primary election which will determine the ballot for November's election.
In short, if Busby wins Cunningham's seat on June 6th, she'll have to fight for it again come November.
The latest poll numbers are promising. Just three weeks away, Busby has made gains among independents. But climbing up in the polls has only increased the hostility of the attacks against her.
The NRCC sent out a vile mailer comparing Busby to teenage drunk drivers. You can view a PDF of the ad here. Bilbray has denied any prior knowledge of the mailer.
The race is also getting nasty between Republicans as well. Bilbray had hoped to run unopposed in the primary, but this week, millionare Bill Hauf announced he would also seek the Republican nomination on June 6th. He has already sent out mailers attacking Bilbray, which can't be making the NRCC too happy.
The next three weeks will be intense, and Busby needs all the support she can get. You can donate to Busby's campaign here.