With the top two primary in place and the rise in power of the state Democratic Party over the last election (or is it the loss in power for the Republican Party), is there a chance we will see two Democrats squaring off in November 2014 for some of the state’s constitutional offices?
I put the question to election guru, Allan Hoffenblum, editor of the Target Book that tracks California elections.
Hoffenblum thinks it could happen under certain circumstances. He said any Republican in the June primary would have to be a relative unknown. Further, he argues the two major Democrats contesting the seat would need to come from different wings of the party – a traditional liberal and a moderate.
In such a race, Hoffenblum believes certain interests might support the more moderate Democrat. He suggested members of the business community would prefer a moderate Democrat, especially if they believe that individual would speak for their interests while at the same time the business community funders believe that a Republican has little chance of winning.
We saw that some in the business community got involved in races to support Democrats they believed were more business friendly in assembly and senate races in 2012. That strategy could move to constitutional offices next time.
There are many ambitious young Democrats who wish to seek higher office and will have no problem battling with one of their own party for the job.
However, Hoffenblum was quick to point out that despite diminishing numbers, Republicans still have a strong core of voters who will vote for the candidate that says he or she prefers the Republican Party. If there is only one fairly well known Republican in a race with a number of Democrats, that Republican stands an excellent chance of making the November election.
Hoffenblum did warn that it is more difficult to find “serious” Republicans to run for statewide office because of the daunting odds of getting elected statewide.