CA-Sen: California Quake

[tallguy23]

Harris is the best choice politically. Besides her skills she checks off a bunch of demographics (female, black, Asian). Newsom is a better fit for Gov in 2018 and it seems like that's his dream job.

God I hope Villaraigosa doesn't run. He's so slimy and was a total failure as mayor of LA.

[RogueBeaver]

Harris/Steyer/Villaraigosa as 3 Dems? Pass a whole truck of popcorn.

[Mr. Smith]

Here's hoping for Harris

[Oldiesfreak1854]

If Kashkari or Maldonado runs, this could actually be close.  But if a mainstream conservative like Carly Fiorina couldn't beat Boxer in a GOP year, and if the Republicans have totally collapsed at the state level, then it may not be possible for them to elect a Senator either. 

[NewYorkExpress]

Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Kevin De Leon and John Chiang seem like the best bets for Democrats to me.

Dark Horses (to run) would be Loretta Sanchez, Xavier Becerra, Hilda Solis, Toni Atkins and Ed Lee.

As for Republicans, who knows.

[Vosem]

The DSCC will definitely get behind one candidate, as will the state party. I expect the field to be cleared for someone before it gets close to the primary.

Haha, that's a good one.

[Panda Express]

Thank God Boxer retired. It was getting annoying seeing her and Feinstein continuously park their fat asses on these valuable seats. California has a deep bench of potential rising stars, something the Democratic Party desperately needs.

Will Vilagrosso be formidable? He could consolidate the Latino vote and he was the mayor of by far the biggest city in CA... I'm hoping Harris takes the plunge though.

[tmthforu94]

I'm pulling for Villaraigosa

[Vosem]

If it really has to be a Democrat I guess I'm pulling for Steyer, since he's big on environmentalism and he'll probably want judiciary nominees who'll protect people's right to donate to campaigns regardless of how wealthy they are. Really, I'm pulling for Kashkari v. Swearengin or something.

[RogueBeaver]

I'm hoping for Newsom.

[Holmes]

If Kashkari or Maldonado runs, this could actually be close.  But if a mainstream conservative like Carly Fiorina couldn't beat Boxer in a GOP year, and if the Republicans have totally collapsed at the state level, then it may not be possible for them to elect a Senator either. 

Kashkari literally lost by 20% statewide two months ago, and Maldonado is a loser. Neither of those (and no Republican, really) can make this race close.

[RogueBeaver]

Harris statement.

[Vosem]

If Kashkari or Maldonado runs, this could actually be close.  But if a mainstream conservative like Carly Fiorina couldn't beat Boxer in a GOP year, and if the Republicans have totally collapsed at the state level, then it may not be possible for them to elect a Senator either. 

Kashkari literally lost by 20% statewide two months ago, and Maldonado is a loser. Neither of those (and no Republican, really) can make this race close.

If the Republican Party starts looking for a person who can win a D v. R race, they're thinking about this wrong. They need to look for two people, who together satisfy every wing of the California GOP while also breaking it as evenly as possible in half.

[Liberalrocks]

Hoping for Harris or Newsom to run. Im not attracted to many of the other names being floated here and as a Los Angeles resident I dislike Villaraigosa with a passion.

[henster]

Villaraigosa was not even a popular mayor, a lot of ethical issues too I am not sure why people think he will consolidate the Latino vote. I think a lot of Dem voters would be weary of voting for a billionaire like Steyer especially one who's never held an elected office and to voters has done nothing for Cali.

[justfollowingtheelections]

So what happens to the AG office if Harris becomes a senator?

[Miles]

^ Last precedent for this, IIRC, was when John Garamendi was elected to Congress while serving as LG. From what I gather, Brown would appoint a replacement who would have to be confirmed by the Assembly.

[RogueBeaver]

Steyer seriously considering.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

^ Last precedent for this, IIRC, was when John Garamendi was elected to Congress while serving as LG. From what I gather, Brown would appoint a replacement who would have to be confirmed by the Assembly.

She's not resigning, just retiring at the end of her term.  But I guess you're talking about whoever replaces her.

[Morning in Atlas]

If Kashkari or Maldonado runs, this could actually be close.

ayyyyyyyyyyy lmao

[Maxwell]

Villaraigosa is seriously considering a run.

Excellent news!

I am assuming due to the increased likelihood of a cluster****, unless there is something I am missing about Tony Villar...

Increased likelihood of a cluster****, obviously, but also because Villaraigosa would so obviously be an embarrassment.

[Sbane]

If there is any person who can lose this senate race for the Democrats, it is Steyer. He will win the bay area but he will collapse in the central valley among hispanics (water and jobs issue) and quite possibly could in southern california as well. Rich, white liberals are not the swing vote in California, it is moderate to conservative minorities. A generic democrat wins that vote easily in this environment but things get interesting if it is an out of touch billionaire vs a moderate like Kashkari or Swearingen. In any case, California is more likely to vote in a Republican governor before a senator barring unusual circumstances.

[Miles]

^ Last precedent for this, IIRC, was when John Garamendi was elected to Congress while serving as LG. From what I gather, Brown would appoint a replacement who would have to be confirmed by the Assembly.

She's not resigning, just retiring at the end of her term.  But I guess you're talking about whoever replaces her.

I think the question was about Harris, not Boxer. Harris' term ends in 2018, ergo, she'd have to resign as AG to be Senator. Boxer would obviously just be retiring.

[justfollowingtheelections]

^ Last precedent for this, IIRC, was when John Garamendi was elected to Congress while serving as LG. From what I gather, Brown would appoint a replacement who would have to be confirmed by the Assembly.

She's not resigning, just retiring at the end of her term.  But I guess you're talking about whoever replaces her.

I think the question was about Harris, not Boxer. Harris' term ends in 2018, ergo, she'd have to resign as AG to be Senator. Boxer would obviously just be retiring.

Yes my question was about Harris (which I thought was pretty obvious).

To be honest, I am not a big fan of politicians who leave the office they were elected to before the end of their term.  That's one reason why I would rather see someone other than Harris or Newsom win the seat.  Actually I wouldn't mind if the LG left his office because his role isn't as important as that of the AG (IMO at least) and I actually really like where Newsom stands on most issues, but he seems a little douchey.  I also understand the importance of having someone who checks all the right boxes like Harris in national politics (a future presidential candidate perhaps?), but it still bothers me that she wouldn't finish her 4 year term.  Anyway, we shall see what happens.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     It's sort of funny seeing how many people here are naming previous losers, particularly for the Republicans. One of the things that both parties are really good about in California is not recycling losers.

     My bet at this point is Gov. Newsom/Sen. Harris. They are both intently focused on climbing the ladder, and they have both managed to make the jump to statewide office.