The (CA) 35th Senate District Special Election Keeps Heating Up (conservative vs. RINO)

The Flash Report ^ | February 27, 2006 | Matthew J. Cunningham

[Clintonfatigued]

The 35th SD special election is only six weeks away (April 11). Dana Point Councilwoman Diane Harkey has been campaigning hard -- at least eight campaign mailers to date, including an absentee ballot program. Two of the mailers hit Assemblyman Tom Harman hard on his votes for tuition for illegal immigrants and sponsorship of the diaper tax [by the way, OC Blog has been posting the mail as it goes out -- click here for an overview]. Harkey has the endorsements of just about every major OC GOP political leader, as well as Lincoln Club and the HJTA. The New Majority will likely make a decision in the near future.

[Clintonfatigued]

Assemblyman Tom Harmon was one of those RINO's who won a primary when California allowed crossover voters to choose which primary they voted in. Harmon defeated conservative opponents with financing from government employee unions and trial lawyers. Now he wants to replace Congressman John Campbell in the state Senate.

Diane Harkey is a successful corporate banker and Dana Point City Councilwoman who wants to bring a more conservative perspective to the CA state Senate.

An important note: since this is a special election rather than a regular election, there is an open primary again and Harmon could very well win under the same circumstances that got him elected to the legislature in the first place.

[California Patriot]

I hope CRA is stepping up to the plate.

Anyone know if they are?

[Clintonfatigued]

I believe they're supporting Harkey, though how high a priority they're placing on this race is unknown to me.

[California Patriot]

The question is really whether they're spending money on her behalf. If not, it isn't a priority for them.

[TatieBug]

As an OC resident, looks like to me everybody is supporting Harkey...signs everywhere and lots of them and flyers daily with support. Finally saw a Harman sign yesterday...1st one. John Campbell is really doing a good job with his support with flyers. Have received 3 phone calls this past week for Harkey's support and rebuking Harman flyers. Can't speak for other areas but Newport Beach is in full swing and Newport Harbor Republican Women will be hosting both candidates Thursday, March 23rd at the Five Crowns so hopefully there will be some good questions showing their differences.

[TatieBug]

As an OC resident, looks like to me everybody is supporting Harkey...signs everywhere and lots of them and flyers daily with support. Finally saw a Harman sign yesterday...1st one. John Campbell is really doing a good job with his support with flyers. Have received 3 phone calls this past week for Harkey's support and rebuking Harman flyers. Can't speak for other areas but Newport Beach is in full swing and Newport Harbor Republican Women will be hosting both candidates Thursday, March 23rd at the Five Crowns so hopefully there will be some good questions showing their differences.

[TatieBug]

I just contacted a friend who will know if CRA is spending money on Harkey and will report. I understand she's doing very well fundraising.

[California Patriot]

That's good, and thanks for your other reports.

However, I fear that the Rat machine might play seriously in this election, that is, might support Harman big-time.

[Clintonfatigued]

That's a legitimate concern. This kind of tacit support from Democrats is what got Harmon nominated over a conservative in his first Assembly race.

[Torie]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Pubbies in a poll today appear to be at some substantial risk in the California 50th CD. Kaloogian really sucks air.

[onyx]

When did Bilbray move into that district?
He was formerly in my district. Susan Davis beat him.

[onyx]

Or did he elect not to run?
I can;t remember.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Davis beat Bilbray in 2000.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Well, Kaloogian is my choice in that race. Bilbray is too liberal for the seat, and Roach has no business being in it at all. That district is still far too GOP to elect a Democrat.

[onyx]

Just as I thought.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Well, Kaloogian is my choice in that race. Bilbray is too liberal for the seat, and Roach has no business being in it at all. That district is still far too GOP to elect a Democrat."

---

The Democrats will certainly *not* win the special election, regardless of what some polls may say. President Bush got 55% in the district in 2004, and that result understates the Republican nature of its voters (they are more Republican in state and congressional races).

As for Kallogian, he's my choice too, but my fear is that Bilbray will win the nomination with the conservative vote being spread among Kaloogian, Morrow and Turner (and with some Democrats voting for Bilbray in the all-party special election, since Busby is sure to win the Democrat nomination). In order to avoid a repeat of the MI-07 primary in which the RINO Schwarz beat 5 conservatives, maybe two of the conservatives should drop out and endorse the sole remaining conservative. Easier said than done, I know, but it may be preferable for some of the conservatives to finishing 4th in the primary.

[Clintonfatigued]

My choice is state Senator Bill Morrow, who already represents a very large portion of the district.

Speaking of open primaries, there' a real possibility that Tom Harmon will win the GOP primary in state Senate District 35 on the basis of crossover Democrats. It's important that Orange County conservatives show up for Diane Harkey.