Correa undisputed winner in 34th - Daucher concedes (California State Senate race)

The Orange County Register ^ | November 21, 2006 | Martin Wisckol

[calcowgirl]

Democrat Lou Correa emerged Monday as the undisputed winner of the intensely fought 34th state Senate District race, leading Republican Lynn Daucher by 1,302 votes with a handful of additional ballots remaining.

Daucher acknowledged that Correa had won, while Correa said he will wait until the final ballot is counted before declaring victory.

"I respect every voter – it's the respectful thing to do," said the county supervisor and former Assemblyman.

The race attracted attention – and campaign dollars – from throughout the state. It was the only Senate seat up for grabs between the two parties. More than $7 million was spent vying to replace termed-out Sen. Joe Dunn, D-Santa Ana.

The win also meant that Democrats fought off an aggressive GOP attack on the central part of Orange County, where Democrats have controlled the U.S. House, state Senate and Assembly seats since the late 1990s. However, the closeness of the race hinted that the battle may not be over.

Ballot counting in the race provided sports-style drama. Daucher opened a broad lead with the tally of early absentee ballots announced just after polls closed Nov. 7, but by the night's end Correa trailed by just 13 votes.

Daucher's lead again blossomed with the counting of absentee ballots after Election Day, reaching 833 votes on Nov. 9. It then shrank steadily. Correa soon took the lead – and built on it daily, thanks to absentee and provisional ballots turned in on Election Day.

Monday's tally diffused the attack that Correa only won because of Republican Otto Bade's decoy candidacy. Correa's margin of victory was 392 votes more than Bade received.

[Amerigomag]

So much for the charges of dirty politics.

Wonder what might have happened if the Republicans had run a conservative candidate instead of Daucher?

[janetgreen]

Democrat Lou Correa holds hands with our "Republican" president on the issue of illegal aliens.

He was asked: "Where do you stand on proposals to legalize the status of undocumented immigrants?"

He answered: "I think this country needs a comprehensive, common sense policy that ensures that immigration is controlled and hardworking people are not penalized for working hard, that businesses are not denied workers and can keep manufacturing jobs in the United States. If we could turn to the free market forces to achieve this, we’re essentially rewarding hard work. At the same time you have to ensure that the common borders are closed to drugs and terrorists while keeping our borders open to trade and human travel."

"Comprehensive, common sense policy = AMNESTY. I wonder if he was helped along by illegal alien votes?

[NormsRevenge]

except for term limits moving a few folks around..

nothing has changed

gerrymandering 'works'

for the people

(that get elected, that is)

[calcowgirl]

...you have to ensure that the common borders are closed to drugs and terrorists while keeping our borders open to trade and human travel.

You gotta just love that North American partnership speak.

Hey, Lou... "our border" is the U.S./Mexico Border. And illegal immigration should be prohibited.

[California Patriot]

I hope Ackerman is serious when he talks about going after the dirty-trick "independent" candidacy conspiracy. Also, it would have been nice if egotist Arnold had bothered to help Daucher in any serious way. Not having her in the Senate probably won't make much difference -- she's a known RINO. But if Arnold won't even help that kind of Republican, what does it say about him? Nothing good.

[LexBaird]

nothing has changed gerrymandering 'works'

You got it. In the 2006 election for CA, Pombo was the only seat that was not held by an incumbent who ran for National office. I believe all the open seats remained in the previous party camp as well.

[calcowgirl]

gerrymandering 'works'

I don't disagree that there is gerrymandering, but I do disagree that all of the districts are not subject to changing hands if the right campaign is launched.

In the 34th Senate District in 2002, Commie Joe Dunn beat his Republican challenger (Araceli Gonzalez) 62% to 38%. By comparison, Correa eked this one out by 50% to 49%. The current voter registration in the District breaks out as follows.

Dem   42.48%
Rep   34.33%
DTS   18.74%
Other  4.44%

Additionally, this district is one with historically low turnout (≈ 40%). Maybe if they had a candidate that truly motivated them, one they thought would make a difference, the other 60% of registered voters might march out to the polls on election day.

[GOP_1900AD]

It pains me to write this, but the OC has gone permanently to the dark side. I could see it coming during the 80s and by the end of the 90s, it was all but assured. Good attempt to turn the tide, but it's far too late, barring a miracle. That miracle would consist of a complete demographic overturning - not too likely.

[goldstategop]

Republicans concede; Democrats sue.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[calcowgirl]

It pains me to write this, but the OC has gone permanently to the dark side.

You mean the OC that voted 69%/25% for Arnold over Angelides?
Or the OC that voted 61%/34% for McClintock over Garamendi?
Or the OC that voted 59%/41% for Prop 90 to defend Property Rights?

[GOP_1900AD]

It's been in the crapper since B1 Bob was pushed out. Sure there are still some small victories, but the OC is wavering. No longer the totally solid Rightist majority. And it continues to change in the wrong direction. How many new conservatives are moving there? Nearly none ....