Judge Kelly Rules On Failed Strategy In The 28th State Senate Race

Oh well the votes are tallied and it is time for Judge Kelly to render his verdict on the quixotic attempt by some LBGT Democrats to gain influence in the 28^th State Senate Race. Using Equality California as their umbrella, they endorsed GOP candidate Glenn Miller. Miller was the lesser of 3 evils by this line of thought. The other 2 were social conservatives current County Supervisor Jeff Stone and former Assemblyman Bonnie Garcia. A fringe candidate Bill Carrns was also in the race on the GOP side.

The Democratic duo in the open primary were state party endorsed Phil Drucker and perennial candidate Anna Nevenic

Now the strategy of Equality California appears to have been spearheaded by Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis. Using some of his supporters, he accompanied Mr. Miller to various events in the Valley. A lot of local Democrats could not understand this strategy. While many conceded that Mr. Drucker was not the most charismatic of candidates, the idea of a cross party endorsement struck some as bizarre and somewhat disloyal. The Democrats for Miller countered that this was a GOP district and a Republican was going to win anyway, so why not one they could work with?

On election night, the 4 Republicans garnered 62,960 votes while the 2 Democrats received 32,079. Mr. Stone finished first and will face Ms. Garcia who finished 2^nd beating Mr. Miller by 449 votes. She beat Mr. Drucker by about 1500 votes. This of course is the worst case scenario for both Equality California and local Democrats.

If Mr. Drucker had finished 2^nd, he most likely would have been easily defeated by Mr. Stone. And that would have been that.

But because of the game playing, local Democrats are in a bit of a pickle. In the fall there will be a huge get out the Latino vote effort for Congressman Raul Ruiz and Assembly candidate Eduardo Garcia. And who will also benefit from this? No doubt Bonnie Garcia. How do like them apples Equality California?

For not thinking things through and winding up with the worst case scenario, Judge Kelly sentences Equality California and Greg Pettis to read Man Of The House by Tip O'Neil and learn about how local politics should work and expand their horizons.

By the way, Glenn Miller has already endorsed Jeff Stone. How about that?

Election Predictions

Okay kids, here where I put my neck on the chopping block trying to predict the results of tomorrow's primary elections. You can check back Wednesday to see if I am right or feel free to call in my radio show on 1450 KPTR Palm Springs from 4 to 6p Pacific Monday-Friday.

Cal Governor: Jerry Brown for D's of course. The Republican race much more interesting. If Tea Party loon Tim Donnelly beats Neil Kashkari the GOP will be crushed in November.

State Senate 28th District: Jeff Stone and Glenn Miller. Bonnie Garcia needs a big Latino turnout. If she gets that from the Manny Perez campaign, she might sneak by.

Supervisor: John Benoit. There will be a lot of recriminations as the Democrats blow a golden opportunity.

Assembly: Chad Mayes  and Gary Jeandron in the 42nd. Keep your eye on Kara Lee Hargrove. Heavy GOP District but I believe a rising star in Democratic circles. Eduardo Garcia and  Charles Bennett in the 56th.

DA; Wackiest race of all. I predict Mike Hestrin will win. If he defeats incumbent Paul Zellerbach, he will not take office till December because of a quirk in the law.

Both tax measures, B in Cathedral City and F in DHS pass. Although F will be harder because it requires a 2/3 vote.

Only one day.