Posted on 01/24/2004 2:04:53 PM PST by Impeach98
Setting the stage for what could be a closely contested primary election, the four leading Republican candidates for U.S. Senate debated Thursday over which would present the biggest challenge to Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer next November.
In the first forum before the March 2 primary, former Secretary of State Bill Jones, former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, former Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian and Los Altos businesswoman Toni Casey each sought to make their case to a crowd of more than 100 members of the Republican Jewish Coalition at the Skirball Cultural Center.
The four focused most of their attention on Boxer, insisting the two-term incumbent is vulnerable this year, with increased Republican activism prompted by the election of Gov. Arnold Scwarzenegger and the re-election campaign of President George W. Bush.
Jones, who has received Schwarzenegger's backing, touted his experience in California and in dealing with federal officials.
"We need someone who knows how things work," Jones said. "I have worked with four governors and four presidents. California needs and deserves a senator who can get things done."
Kaloogian, who was involved early in the recall campaign of former Gov. Gray Davis, painted himself as the most conservative of the group, even as he sought to compare his Armenian background to the Jewish experience.
As he told of his grandmother's experience during the Armenian genocide of World War I, Kaloogian said he was committed to protecting Israel and American Jews. "I say, never again," Kaloogian said.
If elected, Kaloogian said he would support most of Bush's programs -- except for the immigrant work release program proposed by the president.
"It didn't work in 1986 with former President Reagan. It won't work now," Kaloogian said.
Marin said she provided a different sort of candidacy and challenge to Boxer.
"I am the candidate Boxer fears most," Marin insisted to the audience. "Why else would she be attacking me already?"
A native of Mexico, Marin said her background and gender would prevent Boxer from attacking Republicans on traditional grounds.
"She cannot attack me for being anti-woman, anti-immigrant or anti-worker," Marin said.
Casey, who served on the Los Altos City Council and in the Small Business Administration for Bush, said she left Washington, D.C., last year solely to run for the Senate.
Her candidacy can serve to co-opt Boxer on key issues, Casey argued, adding she would promote a variety of programs to boost business in California.
--Rick Orlov
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And, he's the only Republican candidate with the fire and determination and aggressiveness to actually beat Barbara Boxer.
Wait... that all sounds like a wonderful opportunity for Republicans... a conservative candidate who CAN WIN!
The only dead cat I see is Bill Jones who last time he ran statewide couldn't even get 10% of the vote in San Diego and Los Angeles regions.
Jones = Would probably act moderately when elected. A distant second choice.
Casey = A recent Republican with a checkered background on issues. Not a good idea.
Marin = A conservative disaster. Welcome to Azatlan
Casey's not just a recent Republican - her recent Democrat activities included being the Bill Clinton coordinator in the SF Bay Area. She raised loads of $$$ for Clinton and was such good friends with the Clintons they had her spend weekends at the White House.
To me, Bill Jones would be tolerable in California statewide (although not ideal). His "sins" are pushing through the largest tax increase in history for Pete Wilson (Jones was Wilson's guy in the legislature to get the votes to pass it). Jones OPPOSED the GOP decision to support the recall before he later flip-flopped when Arnold entered the race. And Jones has been silent on the Bush Amnesty and Save 187 initiative. He's not a leader... a follower who on important occassions has sold out the conservative movement.
But I could still tolerate him in California statewide. What I can't tolerate is that he is a McCainiac who revoked his support for Bush to back McCain, then flew around California with McCain later to help him lobby support for McCain-Feingold.
Can you imagine having another John McCain in the Senate? Ugh :(
Azatlan or Azkaban? Boxer is a prison guard there! Yeah! What did they call those critters...when you got around them they drove you totally stark raving crazy......It's a Harry Potter universe where she can even exist.
From my perspective the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I will support a senate candidate who I am reasonably certain will prevent Rove/Bush from going off the reservation.
Regardless of Bush's clearly adult, conservative principals that drive his foreign policy, his stance on illegal immigration will be a disaster to my state and eventually my nation. It will be little of consolation that Muslim extremists no longer represent a threat to my nation if Mexico gains defacto control of California.
All politics are local. I am not unusual when I prioritize by family, community, state and then nation. The damage Bush's immigration proposals can do to family, community and state before he leaves office may be irreversible since we are on the cusp of a major demographic/political change in California.
While not my first choice by a long way, I will support Jones if Kaloogian collapses, not trailing in the polls but a true collapse followed by issuing support for another candidate. When push comes to shove I don't believe Jones will desert his conservative roots in the Central Valley simply to go along to get along.
The last time Bill Jones ran statewide in a general election
I thought winning the general election was the goal here?
There are already at least three: McCain, Chuck Hagel and Lindsey Graham.
A lot of people see it as a moderate state. There's a big left wing, but a HUGE, dominating middle, folks who will vote for all those conservative referendums but are inclined to elect Democrats.
If they vote for the person, Bill Jones has strong centrist appeal vs. freaky Boxer.
If they vote like it's an issue referendum, Kaloogian (if he had money) would have appeal based on those issues.
I believe voters vote for People to represent them, not issues, and thus Kaloogian has no chance while Jones has a decent (30%)chance.
You probably can't explain to me why, in the last regular statewide election, the two most conservative Republicans got far, far more votes then the other moderate Republicans. And you probably can't explain why the most conservative Republican got the most votes of any Republican, and only lost by a few votes, even though he got no support and no money from the state GOP. Hmmm.
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