Race could be critical for Democratic hopes in the House
by Brian Leubitz
Since Sup. Steve Bennett dropped out of the race for CA-26, the Democrats have been looking for a candidate that could raise the money in what is likely to be a pretty expensive race. Bennett had been pretty successful at fund raising, and has promised to help for any future Democratic candidate. Until now, that has been limited to David Cruz Thayne, who is described as a “businessman” on the CA-26 page on AroundTheCapitol. But considering that Tony Strickland appears set to contest this race, his fundraising left a lot to be desired.
So, enter Asm. Julia Brownley, who represents much of the district in the Assembly in a district that runs the coast from Santa Monica to Oxnard:
I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for Congress in a district I’ve represented for over five years. It’s clear that we need to end the partisan gridlock in Washington and start representing the interests of the voters who elected us. Ventura County residents want to get back to work, they want their children to have the same quality education they had, they want to make sure our coastlines are protected and they want access to affordable health care. These are the values I’ve fought for on behalf of my constituents and I’d be honored to be able to continue that work in Congress.
Brownley received Bennett’s endorsement, so perhaps this could really be all one big story. But whatever it happened, it certainly made the DCCC happy. In Brownley they found somebody with good name ID and fundraising acumen. Assuming the top-two is between Strickland and Brownley, expect to see a very expensive campaign.
Finally, as David Nir points out, this likely puts the kibosh on the pressure to move Brad Sherman over to this seat instead of the new 30th district. Game on, “-ermans”.
But this illustrates my original fears about the Open Primary.
Choices that were formerly made by the voters in June are now being made behind closed doors. Fears of splitting the vote are forcing the parties to “pre-primary” their candidates.
The cost of reaching out to all the voters in the district, in a “do or die” June primary, is going to favor the selection of established candidates with name recognition and those favored by big campaign donors.
Aside from dealing a mortal blow to the third-parties, the Open Primary denies a well-qualified newcomer (like Moorpark city councilman David Pollock) the opportunity demonstrate his viability on a small campaign budget, and then continue to build a volunteer network and attract funding in the race toward November. Only self-funded millionaires will be able to compete as “outside” candidates in June.
The Open Primary was sold to the voters of California as being “more democratic”. But I fear that it will only tip the balance of power away from voters and toward money.