Posted on 11/14/2003 8:02:55 AM PST by .cnI redruM
SAN FRANCISCO - Emboldened by their ability to oust a Democratic governor, California Republicans have set their sights on the next big prize — the 2004 Senate race and the chance to unseat two-term liberal Sen. Barbara Boxer.
But while many Republicans would like nothing more than to topple Boxer, the magic formula of star power and GOP unity that recalled Gov. Gray Davis (news - web sites) and elected Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites) has so far eluded Republicans in the Senate race. Just three little-known Republicans have announced their candidacy and top party strategists are hoping to persuade some bigger names.
"Barbara Boxer is America's worst senator. She's just a loud nuisance," said Jonathan Wilcox, a strategist for Republican Rep. Darrell Issa. "But her political skills are not inconsiderable, and anyone who thinks she'll go down without the fight of her life is wrong."
First elected to the Senate in 1992, Boxer's passionate support for liberal causes has made her a polarizing figure. Most recently, she was the Senate's most visible opponent of a bill to ban a procedure that critics call partial birth abortion.
Boxer has never enjoyed the widespread popularity of the state's senior senator, Democrat Dianne Feinstein, and GOP strategists believe she is vulnerable. A Field Poll conducted in October showed only a small plurality of voters — 45 percent to 40 percent — inclined to re-elect Boxer.
But with $4 million in the bank and a history of winning tough elections, Boxer has scared away several candidates for the GOP nomination. Only three Republicans have signed up for the March primary: Toni Casey, a former mayor of Los Altos; Ventura County Assemblyman Tony Strickland; and former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin. Former California Secretary of State Bill Jones is also considering a run.
The filing deadline is Dec. 5.
Concerned about the lack of top-tier candidates, GOP insiders in Sacramento and Washington are pressuring some of the figures who catapulted to prominence during the recall election, most notably Rep. David Dreier, Schwarzenegger's most visible surrogate during the campaign.
The sunny, telegenic Dreier boasts a conservative voting record but is moderate on social issues such as abortion rights. With greater statewide name recognition thanks to the recall campaign, political observers say he would pose a serious threat to Boxer if he decides to run.
But Dreier has turned down opportunities to run for statewide office many times since he was first elected to the House in 1980. With close ties to President Bush (news - web sites) and as chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, which decides which bills and amendments the House votes on, Dreier already holds considerable sway in Washington. He also is an influential adviser to Schwarzenegger and chairs his transition team. With those two significant power bases, many observers expect he will opt out of the race.
Dreier is expected to make a decision by the weekend on whether to enter the race.
Issa, who became a hero to many Republicans after bankrolling the recall campaign that brought down Davis, may be considering a run as well.
"There's a lot of buzz surrounding Darrell's possible entry in the race, as a direct result of the leadership he showed in the recall campaign," Wilcox said. "He hasn't ruled it out."
But Issa, who tearfully abandoned his own run for governor after Schwarzenegger entered the race, was weakened after information surfaced during the campaign about his past, including two arrests in 1972 on weapons charges and accusations that he faked an auto heist in 1980.
"The conventional wisdom is that if you want to win statewide, you need someone who is a moderate without much baggage," said Republican strategist Allan Hoffenblum. "Issa's very articulate and very smart, but he's been the brunt of a lot of negative advertising."
Boxer media consultant Roy Behr said he expects Republicans to revert to their pre-Schwarzenegger ways and nominate a candidate who is too conservative for the state, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 44-35 percent. Behr said that in any case, Boxer will run a campaign that highlights her record and accomplishments.
"We're going to run the exact same race no matter what," he said. "She's done a really good job representing the views of this state — no one can do a better job than she's done."
Well, I would think so.
Wonder if Hillary Clinton will show up at her fundraisers????
*snicker*
She showed up in Marin County out of nowhere (carpetbagger) during the "ecological" honeymoon of the 70s, destroyed civil discourse and elevated demagoguery there, then decided to try it on a national level.
She struck out.
She found out that on a national level, her audience does not consist of rich doped out adolescents and wannabe hippies.
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