Cross-posted at CA-48: Turning Orange County Blue
Per Political Dogfight, the congressional primary in CA-48 will take place on October 4, 2005. Should not a single candidate secure 50% +1 of the primary vote, a general election between the top two vote-getters will occur on December 6, 2005.
Background on CA-48 candidates follows. Three Republicans and two Democrats are already campaigning to succeed Chris Cox. Conservative bloggers believe an American Independent Party candidate is running as well. And a former Republican congressman may or may not soon throw his hat into the race. Finally, the DCCC is rumored to have recruited a third Democratic candidate whose name has not yet been made public.
Republican Party
State Senator John Campbell — Anti-tax, pro-business, anti-choice, and anti-gay equality. Flip-flops on immigration. The “conservative” Republican “frontrunner.” Elected to the State Senate in March of 2004 after several years in the State Assembly. Full biography here. Endorsed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, nine California Republican Congressmen, 11 State Senators, 27 State Assemblymen, the Club for Growth, the Lincoln Club of Orange County, and bloggers Hugh Hewitt and “Jubal.” Full endorser list here. Campaign team includes Dave Gillard and Chris Wysocki (General Consultants) and Jim Terry (Manager).
Former State Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer — Pro-choice and pro-business. The Republican “moderate.” Elected to the State Assembly in 1994, she was twice re-elected before being term limited-out in 2000. Full biography here. Endorsed by John McCain, Women in Leadership, and several former Assemblymen. Campaign team includes Harvey Englander (General Consultant and Direct Mail), Steve Kinney (Pollster), Tom Hammond (PAC Fundraiser), Peggy Goldwater Clay (Local Fundraiser), Frank Caterinicchio (Targeting), and Betty Presley (Treasurer).
Edward Suppe — First-time candidate who believes “technology now allows ordinary citizens to compete with professional politicians.” Computer industry businessman who volunteers for the Coast Guard.
Democratic Party
John Graham — Pro-choice and pro-stem cell research. Position papers here. University of California at Irvine Professor. Democratic nominee in 2000, 2002, and 2004.
Steve Young — “A fiscal conservative with Democratic ideals.” Thoughts on numerous issues here. Lawyer. Endorsed by OC Grassroots, California Teachers for Excellence, and five Democratic clubs.
American Independent Party
Minutemen founder Jim Gilchrist — Anti-immigration. Flip-flops on taxes. The wingnut. Endorsed by blogger Allan Bartlett. Campaign team includes Mary Parker-Lewis (General Consultant) and, in one capacity or another, Chuck Muth. Has retained Orange County based Bieber Communications to help with direct mail.
Other (Potential)
Former Congressman “B-1 Bob” Dornan — Anti-choice, anti-gay, etc. The foul-mouthed far-right flame-thrower. Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1976, he was twice reelected before running unsuccessfully for US Senate in 1982. Elected again to the House in 1984, he was reelected five times before running unsuccessfully for both President and the House in 1996. Defeated again in 1998 and 2004. Full biography here.
