While both Debra Bowen and Janice Hahn have announced that they are in the race to replace Jane Harman, she still hasn’t officially resigned.  Why? Well, here’s the thing.  The election would be tentatively scheduled for the time right around when Jerry Brown wants to hold his statewide special election on the budget.

As soon as Jane Harman officially resigns from the House, Brown has to peg an election date.  While there is not necessarily a requirement that this special be tied in to the statewide special, it certainly would make sense.  And if he is already stuck to a date for the special, it cuts down on his wiggle room with the Legislature.

it is rather odd how this is playing out, with a special in one Congressional district possibly affecting the statwide special, but this very well could happen.  And 1/53 of the state might have the power to set the date for the rest of the state.  So, if you are in the 36th, congrats on your new found power.

While Harman has been pretty flexible on her resignation date, apparently she really wants to move on by the end of February, so we should hear some news about the setting of a date by mid-March.  Given the timeline from there on out, and a June election would fit in there well.

Of course, for the people of the 36th, they are likely to be out of a Congressional member until late summer.  With two strong Democrats and a likely significant Republican presence, any candidate getting 50% becomes rather unlikely.

Ah, fun election games!