The Canary in California (Dems struggle to hold safe Dem seat)

The Wall Street Journal ^ | 06/17/11 | Kimberly Strassel

[TonyInOhio]

In May, when Democrats pulled out a surprise victory in a special House election in New York, all the talk was about Medicare lessons for Republicans. Now on to California.

That's where another high-stakes special election will take place on July 12, to fill the seat of former Democratic Rep. Jane Harman. Lacking a sexy Mediscare plot, it isn't getting much national play. But the bottom line is that Democrats are struggling to hold on to a blue seat, offering a vivid preview of the extraordinary economic vulnerabilities the party faces going into a presidential election.

~ snip ~

When the dust settled on May 17, Ms. Hahn had claimed 24% of the vote. In second place, with 22%, and claiming the runoff spot, was a GOP candidate that most of the media had never mentioned: Craig Huey. A businessman, Mr. Huey had poured personal resources into a strong mail, TV and radio strategy, and garnered the endorsements of respected California Republicans.

But what really resonated with voters was Mr. Huey's laserlike focus on the economy and jobs. As Ms. Hahn and Ms. Bowen competed on who had a more progressive environmental record, Mr. Huey banged relentlessly on California's 12% unemployment rate, job-killing regulations, and record deficits. As the two Democratic heavyweights traded barbs over who had taken more "oil money," Mr. Huey touted his plans for reviving growth.

[TonyInOhio]

Republicans who run as conservatives win. It seems the obituaries for the Tea Party Movement were premature. :)

[Notary Sojac]

This is one of those "first two past the post" elections and the total vote for Dem and left-wing minor parties was 58%, the total vote for Rep and Libertarian was 42%.

The runoff will be a tougher row to hoe.

[Crichton]

It's a pretty simple lesson:

When the foremost issue on peoples' minds is jobs & the economy, campaign on jobs & the economy.

Fiscal policy is a bit too abstract -- candidates need to cut to the point: Obama's spending & regulations are killing the economy and may cost you your job.

[tflabo]

Unfortunately we can’t trust the majority voters in Kookifornicate to vote the right way.

[Mase]

I used to live in this district and I can tell you Huey will have his hands full trying to win there. A group called "Turn Right America" is running an internet ad to support Huey. You gotta see this ad.

Janice Hahn - Give us your cash b....!

I don't know that this will help Huey get elected, but it sure made me laugh.

[Republic Rocker]

I’m in So Cal and if a R’Pub wins here WOW! Well then again Brown just VETO’d his own parties budget... Maybe people are finally getting real and their wallets will trump their gay marriage and marijuana....?

[SZonian]

http://theothermccain.com/2011/06/14/democrat-janice-hahn-stars-in-the-new-viral-video-smash-hit-of-the-summer/

[Monorprise]

In democracy the majority vote away the rights of the minority. In California that majority deserve to rot in the hell that they have created for themselves via the persecution of their economic minorities.

[Tzimisce]

Liberal Dems are going to lose the seat?

I’ll believe it when the liberal judges declare it so....

[Beaten Valve]

You don’t need to make a video to understand how bad Janice Hahn is.

[WOSG]

“Republicans who run as conservatives win.”
Not in blue districts, which makes this notable if the GOP candidate makes a race out of it.

[RipSawyer]

Yep, this is one case where conservative candidates should heed the wisdom of the serpenthead, “It’s the economy, stupid.”