Divided state, divided country. That was on display Monday in Stockton for the debate of candidates to represent California in the U.S. Senate. It was the first debate for an open Senate seat since voters passed Proposition 14 in 2010, enacting the top-two primary under which all candidates run on June 7, regardless of party, with the top two facing off on Nov. 8.
Attorney General Kamala Harris's performance solidified her front-runner status. The favorite of party regulars advanced the generally liberal policies that twice got her elected to statewide office. On gun control, she said guns should not be allowed to felons and those "found by a court to be mentally ill to the point that they are a danger to themselves or other people."
But those really are state issues.
Like Ms. Harris, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Anaheim, favors a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, cutting college costs and helping working families. Rep. Sanchez also emphasized her experience on the House Committee on Homeland Security. "I know the tough votes," she said. Of her opponents, she charged, "They haven't been under the pressure. I said no to the Iraq War. I said no to the so-called Patriot Act. And I said no to the Wall Street bailout."
The three Republicans faced a problem. Given that both Ms. Harris and Rep. Sanchez have large leads in polls and fundraising, even one Republican would have a tough time breaking through to the November runoff.
The GOP hopefuls' main strategy was to bring down Rep. Sanchez. For example, Duf Sundheim attacked her for missing too many Homeland Security committee meetings. His main political accomplishment was chairing California's Republican Party, a position also held by Tom Del Beccaro. The two former chairmen differed on some issues, with Mr. Del Beccaro favoring more conservative positions on abortion and immigration.
The third Republican was Ron Unz, who sponsored the English for the Children initiative voters passed in 1998. He also said he opposed the Iraq War, favors a more open immigration policy and, like the two Democrats, a $15 minimum wage.
REPRINTED FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
View Comments