Costa takes bipartisan approach

Fresno Bee ^ | 10/24/04 | John Ellis

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Costa takes bipartisan approach

He has received more than 225 Republican endorsements.

By John Ellis / The Fresno Bee

In 2002, term limits forced Fresno native Jim Costa to end a 24-year legislative career, all spent in the halls of the state Capitol.

Costa considered congressional runs in two area districts, but both would have been tough battles — one because of high Republican voter registration, the other because it was centered 100 miles to the north.

snip

Then — nine months after Costa left public life behind — Rep. Cal Dooley, the incumbent in Costa's home congressional district, announced he was retiring. It was an opportunity Costa couldn't pass up.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

I decided to review Congressional election results for California and identify races where Democrats won narrowly and might offer opportunities for GOP pick ups in 2006.

There weren't any. The average margin of victory was something like 65%-35% for both rats and Reps. The fix is in. This race was the closest in the state and was for an open seat, so the power of incumbency will be in effect two years from now.

I guess I'd better look to other states for new pick up opps.