Tom Campbell made it official today – he’s leaving the governor’s race and jumping into the US Senate race, where he only has to face one self-funder instead of two. Campbell plans to run against government spending, showing his reputation as a “moderate” is undeserved. The LA Times even mentioned something I never knew, which is that Campbell’s PhD advisor was none other than Milton Friedman:

Calling the nation’s fiscal path “suicidal,” Campbell said his economic background makes him the ideal candidate to rein in federal spending and growth.

“Our country is at a very perilous point in economic terms, and in terms of the size and intrusiveness of government” he said. “I believe I can help to restore our nation’s economic health, and spirit of independence.”

Campbell has a doctorate in economics and his faculty advisor was the Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. Campbell was also the last person to serve as California’s budget director who oversaw a balanced state budget.

I’ve heard rumors that Campbell has internal polling showing him with a lead over both Carly Fiorina and Chuck DeVore. As Calbuzz reported, the Field Poll is currently out in the field polling the 3-way race, so we should know soon just how this impacts the GOP primary race.

For her part, Carly Fiorina is fighting back, with just a hint of desperation. Her emails are calling Campbell a “flip flopper,” which is I guess what you say to deflect attention from your own flip-flopping on whether you’ll self-fund (Fiorina has given her campaign $2.5 million):

Today Tom Campbell kicked off yet another campaign for yet another office in his never ending quest to get elected again – but using his electoral history as a guide, his kick off tour is more likely to be a farewell tour. Tom’s unending quest for statewide office has nothing to do with serving the people of California, rather it’s about satisfying Tom Campbell’s quixotic personal ambition and the false premise that he will be acceptable to Republican primary voters.  California Republicans won’t vote for a proponent of higher taxes and more government; they’re smarter than Tom Campbell gives them credit for.

I’m guessing these attacks won’t play well. Campbell has a reputation as a nice guy, and Fiorina’s attacks fall flat given that perception.

In any case, trying to read the California GOP base is like deciphering hieroglyphics without a guide. It’s an unpredictable movement that could throw its weight behind a wealthy fool (Fiorina), a well-liked loser who at least has enough credentials on economics but some non-wingnut social views (Campbell) or the teabagger darling (DeVore).

No matter what, I’m hoping for an expensive and bruising primary battle that leaves the winner poorer and less able to mount an effective challenge to Barbara Boxer, who will win re-election on her own merits anyway.