Issa opts out of race to challenge Boxer

Sac Bee ^ | 11/25/03 | Beth Fouhy - AP

[NormsRevenge]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Rep. Darrell Issa, who catapulted to fame and controversy after bankrolling the recall drive against Gov. Gray Davis, will not seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, a spokesman said Tuesday.

"We had every reason to be certain that if Darrell had chosen to seek the nomination for senate, it would have been his for the asking," said Issa spokesman Jonathan Wilcox. "But he is very committed and determined in his congressional work and has found it to be a passion and a purpose."

[NormsRevenge]

.

[steveegg]

Sounds like Wisconsin, where we have a moderate-to-liberal car dealer, a state senator who isn't showing up for any appearances, and a nobody who won't be supported by the "Pubbie" leadership because he's actually conservative lined up to knock off Russ (Slimeroad) Feingold.

[Wolfstar]

Jones will get the nomination if he runs and Bill Simon does not. Would he have a real chance of defeating Boxer? It will depend on whether or not the full spectrum of Republicans will find enough common ground to unite and support him. If we continue to remain divided, as we have been in most elections over the past decade, then Boxer will win reelection handily.

[Owens08]

Jones will not be supported by the broad spectrum of Republicans because he is not representative of a wide spectrum of Republican ideas.

Just a taste of his past...

a)Led the fight for Pete Wilson's tax increses

b)Has openly fought for Open-Primaries (ie, Conservative-not-welcome elections)

c)Endorsed Bush in 2000, only to YANK that endorsement just days before the Republican Primary, only to endorse JOHN MCCAIN.

Bill Jones is no friend to Republican values of lower taxes, is no friend to conservative opposition to Open Primaries, and is no friend to the Bush White House...

He will not. Repeat, will not get unified Republican support.

[Wolfstar]

I agree with your assessment, and I know about Jones' record. I didn't support him in the primaries for governor in '02. But if he is the only name Republican to jump into this senate race, then the only way he could win would be to try to figure out a way to unite the party. About the only thing he'd have going for him, in my opinion, is that almost anyone would be better than Boxer.

[Owens08]

Don't sell Rosario short just yet.

The Bush people love her. She's hired a GREAT campaign team. And she's assembled a GREAT finance team.

Rumor has it she's also going to suprise some people with just how CONSERVATIVE she is. Here's to hoping.

[JohnnyZ]

Bumpety Bumpety bump. Bump.

Good news, no Issa. Sure loser. Woulda got blown out.

Jones'll announce . . . when, d'ya think? Milk the suspense until the Dec. 5th filing deadline?

I like either Jones or Marin as a candidate. The field has been very much frozen for a while 'cause of all the "potential" candidates, like Dreier, Issa, et al. Full bore starting Dec. 5th. Engines are revving. LET'S GO RACIN', BOYS!

BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY!