CA Dem Convention Prediction: Chaos

February 26, 2016

This weekend’s California Democratic Convention is set to be chock-full of drama by congressional hopefuls fighting for the party’s endorsement. Here are some key battles to keep your eye on:

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CA-07: Ami Bera vs. Himself
In a shocking move, local Democrats declined to endorse incumbent Ami Bera, despite the fact he faces no primary opposition. Activists cite Bera’s penchant for saying one thing in California and doing the opposite in Washington as the source of their discontent and are threatening to withhold the party endorsement from him entirely. Just this week, an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee called Bera out for taking one position in a questionnaire he completed before the 2014 election and then voting the exact opposite way once reelected. Bera won in 2014 by fewer than 1500 votes and any cracks in support from his base could have dramatic impacts in November.

CA-21: Local Democrats vs Washington Democrats (Part 1)
In this district that has bedeviled Democrats for the last two elections cycles, a brutal spat between Valley Democrats and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spilled over into the press and threatens to erupt at the convention. Local favorite Daniel Parra has consolidated support from Valley Democrats, even though Washington kingmakers have attempted to recruit multiple other candidates into the race. Enter Emilio Huerta. Huerta, who doesn’t live in the 21st District, is the favorite of DC Dems and, despite losing the local endorsement to Parra, is hoping for a coup this weekend in San Jose.

CA-25: Local Democrats vs Washington Democrats (Part 2)
Another key battle to watch is the fight between local favorite Lou Vince and Beverly Hills Lawyer Bryan Caforio, who was air-dropped in by the DCCC to run in the 25th District. Local activists are furious with Caforio and the DCCC, going so far as to submit an op-ed titled “I will not be voting for the carpetbagger” that savages both the national party and their preferred candidate. Caforio was soundly defeated in the local endorsement process, but has vowed to take the fight to the convention.

NRCC Comment: “Multiple Democrat congressional hopefuls are putting everything on the line at the convention this weekend. The fractures throughout the Democrat Party threaten to upend several primaries and give Republicans an even greater advantage going into election season.” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Hunter