NRCC MEMO: CALIFORNIA PRIMARY RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: JUNE 9, 2010
SUBJECT: CALIFORNIA PRIMARY RESULTS
At the outset of the 2010 cycle, Democrats boasted of numerous political gains in California, but the tables have turned as enthused Republican voters headed to the polls today to choose their nominee to go up against vulnerable Democrats in competitive gubernatorial, Senate and House races. Having experienced one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, California voters of all parties are irritated with the Democrats’ job-killing, big government agenda and are looking for new leadership in the fall. Dedicated incumbents and strong challenger candidates give Republicans the advantage in the majority of California’s competitive races.
Open Seats:
CA-19 (Rep. George Radanovich, R)
Rep. George Radanovich, who announced his retirement in December 2009, has represented the 19th District since beating an incumbent Democrat by 17 points in 1994. Since the 1990s, the district has solidified itself as a strong Republican seat, meaning that the real race for the 19th District is in the GOP primary. The district’s significant agricultural presence has shaped both its economy and its politics. With the region often left out in the cold by Washington Democrats who pursue their political agenda at the expense of critical jobs, voters will be turning to California State Senator Jeff Denham, the only candidate in the race who can stand up for a healthy valley and a healthy economy.
Denham is a rancher, successful businessman, and an advocate for conservative policies. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 16 years and is the recipient of the “Order of California” award for his service in the California National Guard. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, Denham went into business in the agriculture industry. He is the owner and operator of an agriculture supply company, as well as an almond farmer. As a State Senator, Denham has focused on California’s economic and agricultural needs. Denham is the recipient of an “A” rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and has been a staunch advocate of reducing the state’s bloated budget. He has been endorsed by Rep. Radanovich.
Denham enters the general election as the outright favorite to win this overwhelmingly Republican seat over Democrat opponent Loraine Goodwin.
History. The 19th District is solidly Republican, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+9. John McCain picked up 52 percent of the vote in 2008 and former President George W. Bush received 61 percent of the vote in 2004. The district has delivered victories to Republican statewide candidates with regularity since the 1990s.
Geography. California’s 19th Congressional District includes a populous portion of Fresno County, the agricultural towns of Madera County, the eastern portion of Stanislaus County, as well as Mariposa and Tolumne Counties. The district is home to about half of the city of Fresno, a portion of the city of Modesto, and the towns of Madera, Chowchilla, Turlock, Riverbank, and Oakdale.
Incumbents:
CA-03 (Rep. Dan Lungren, R)
Not facing a primary contest today, Congressman Dan Lungren will face Democrat physician Ami Bera in November. Voters will have a striking contrast in the contest between a dependable Republican incumbent who fights for limited government and strong national security and a liberal Democrat who would come to Congress to rubber-stamp the Democrat agenda of bigger government, higher taxes, reckless spending and government takeovers.
Dan Lungren has dedicated most of his life to serving the people of California. He has represented California’s Third Congressional District since 2004 after serving California’s 42nd District for a decade. Prior to taking office, Lungren served as Attorney General and helped author California’s “Three-Strikes-and-You’re-Out” policy. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Lungren is constantly out to keep Californians safe.
History. This rapidly growing district has historically been Democratic, but has a tendency to shift politically. Barack Obama narrowly beat John McCain in the district with 49.3 percent of the vote in 2008. With a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+6, this seat is likely to remain in the Republican column.
Geography. California’s Third Congressional District is largely comprised of Sacramento County, parts of Solano County and some of Mother Lode Country.
CA-44 (Rep. Ken Calvert, R)
Rep. Ken Calvert convincingly won his primary tonight and will face Democrat challenger Bill Hedrick in November. Republicans hold a significant advantage in this seat, rated as “Likely Republican” by the Cook Political Report.
Calvert took office in 1992 and has held the seat ever since. He is a lifelong resident of Riverside County and a 17-year business owner. He currently serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittees of Energy and Water Development, Homeland Security, and Environment and Related Agencies. Throughout Calvert’s 18 years of service, he has received top ratings from various groups such as Americans for Tax Reform, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business. Prior to taking office, Calvert worked as a restaurant owner and a real estate broker.
If elected, Hedrick would serve as a loyal rubber-stamp to the Pelosi-Obama agenda. He supports the Democrats’ disastrous healthcare takeover and pulling troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq.
History. With an R+6 Cook Partisan Voting Index, this district tends to swing right. Obama narrowly won this district with only 50 percent of the vote in 2008, but Bush won the district in 2004 with over 61 percent of the vote.
Geography. Southern California’s 44th District is one of the fastest growing Congressional districts. It spans from coastal Orange County to northeast Riverside County.
CA-45 (Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R)
A seat the Democrats original spun as competitive, Republicans hold the overwhelming advantage in this “Likely Republican” district. Popular incumbent Mary Bono Mack convincingly won her primary tonight and will face Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet in the general election.
First elected in 1998 in a special election to fill her late husband’s seat, Mary Bono Mack has since served seven terms as representative to California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, Bono Mack is a strong advocate for small businesses, earning her the “Guardian of Small Business” award by the National Federation of Independent Business. She is also strongly opposed to the current federal tax structure, a strong supporter of tax relief and is an advocate for smaller government.
As mayor of Palm Springs, Pougnet’s mismanagement and misguided principles have threatened the city’s public safety. Not only has he laid off police officers and positions in the fire department, Pougnet has closed a jail and a fire station. Under Pougnet’s watch, Palm Springs’ deficit and unemployment rate have increased tremendously. He supports the radical Obama-Pelosi agenda and approves of the Democrats’ takeover of healthcare and failed trillion-dollar stimulus.
History. Republican Incumbent Mary Bono Mack has held California’s 45th Congressional seat since April 1998. The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+3 and elected George W. Bush with 56 percent of the vote in 2004. In 2008, President Obama narrowly won the district with 52 percent of the vote.
Geography. California’s 45th Congressional District includes most of Riverside County’s desert from Blythe to Palm Springs.
CA-50 (Rep. Brian Bilbray, R)
In this increasingly reliable Republican district, Democrats competed in a primary tonight for the opportunity to partake in a decidedly uphill contest against Congressman Brian Bilbray in November.
Bilbray is a native San Diegan and has served the interests of his constituents for many years. He began his career on the city council, served as Mayor of Imperial Beach and later served on San Diego’s Board of County Supervisors for ten years. First elected in 1994, Bilbray was part of a fiscally responsible Republican class that reined in government spending and successfully maintained a balanced budget. While in Congress, Bilbray has been a strong advocate for increased border security and has cracked down on illegal immigration.
In November, he will face Francine Busby, who won the Democrat primary with about 65 percent of the vote. Unlike Congressman Bilbray, Busby is a strong advocate for the Democrats’ job-killing healthcare takeover which will lead to additional tax-hikes and drastic Medicare cuts for seniors.
History. Brian Bilbray has twice served California’s 50th Congressional District. He was first elected to Congress in 1995 and served until 2001. He returned to office with a win in a 2006 special election. The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+3 and elected George W. Bush with 55 percent of the vote in 2004. President Obama carried the district in 2008 with 51 percent of the vote.
Geography. Republican Brian Bilbray represents San Diego’s northern coastline in California’s 50th Congressional District.
Challengers:
CA-11 (Rep. Jerry McNerney, D)
California’s 11th district provides Republicans with possibly the best pickup opportunity in the Golden State. Democrat Sophomore Jerry McNerney has voted with the Democratic majority 95.2 percent of the time during the current Congress. With four Republican candidates gunning for McNerney’s seat in a crowded primary, it is clear that California voters in the 11th District are ready for new representation in Congress. With the shift in the political environment and California voters fed up with the current job-killing agenda, Republicans have a clear shot to put this swing district back in the GOP column.
David Harmer won a four-way primary against three other very strong and formidable Republican candidates and will face McNerney in the general election. Harmer boasts of a diverse resume, from working as a congressional aide to becoming a successful attorney, businessman, and community leader. As a businessman, Harmer recognizes the severity of the Democrats’ job-killing spending agenda and looks forward to bringing a fiscally responsible voice to Washington. Harmer is the son of former California State Senator and Lieutenant Governor John Harmer, a key ally of former California Governor Ronald Reagan.
History. Democrat Jerry McNerney won this R+1 district in 2006, defeating Republican Richard Pombo, who had held the seat from 1993 to 2007. Former President George W. Bush won the district with 54 percent of the vote in 2004. President Barack Obama carried the district with 54 percent in 2008
Geography. This geographically diverse Northern California district consists of the Bay Area suburbs of San Ramon Valley in Contra Costa County and a portion of the agriculture-heavy San Joaquin County.
CA-18 (Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D)
There were no primary contests in the 18th District, but there will be a contest in November as vulnerable Pelosi Puppet Dennis Cardoza faces Republican Challenger Michael Berryhill. Constantly facing constituent backlash for helping to create the man-made drought that has Central Valley farmers suffering through one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, Cardoza is expected to have his toughest re-election race in a long time. Known as the consummate insider and close ally to Nancy Pelosi, Cardoza will struggle to explain to his Central Valley constituents why he remains so loyal to Washington Democrat leadership.
Born and raised in California’s 18th Congressional District, farmer Mike Berryhill understands the district’s agriculture needs. After graduating with distinction from Arizona State University and receiving his Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University, Berryhill returned to work on his family ranch in Ceres. He then became an active member of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau and later served as President of Young Farmers and Ranchers of California. Following his father’s footsteps, Berryhill was elected to the Ceres School Board. In 1983, he was appointed to the Turlock Irrigation District Board and has since served for 26 years.
History. California’s 18th Congressional District has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+4 and President Barack Obama carried the district in 2008 with 59 percent of the vote. George W. Bush took the district with 50 percent of the vote in 2004.
Geography. California’s 18th Congressional District includes a large portion of the Central Valley including Stockton, Modesto, Ceres and Fresno counties.
CA-20 (Rep. Jim Costa, D)
Jim Costa of Fresno is seeking his fourth term in Congress, but has already had a challenging year. With the struggling California economy, water issues, and the Democrats’ takeover of healthcare, Costa’s loyalties have been tested in 2010. In the battle over water, Costa has been forced to choose sides between conservative Valley farmers and members of his own party. Andy Vidak, tonight’s primary winner, will face Costa in the fall election.
A farmer, businessman and lifelong resident of the Central Valley, Andy Vidak understands the underlying needs of the 20th District. After receiving his degree from Texas Tech University, Vidak returned to the Central Valley to work for Westside farms. In 1997, Vidak purchased his own farm and has been an active Cherry grower in Hanford since. In addition to owning is own farm, Vidak is a partner in a lettuce cooling management group. Vidak’s years in managing a Central Valley farm have prepared him to address California’s water crisis.
History. California’s 20th Congressional District has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+5 and President Barack Obama carried the district in 2008 with 60 percent of the vote. George W. Bush took 49 percent here in 2004.
Geography. California’s 20th District mainly consists of the Westlands of the Central Valley which includes Bakersfield and northwest of Fresno.
CA-47 (Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D)
Republicans have another excellent opportunity to compete in a Democrat-held seat in the 47th Congressional District. Republican voters tonight chose Van Tran to face Rep. Loretta Sanchez in November.
Since elected in 1996, Loretta Sanchez has served as a rubber stamp to the reckless Democrat spending agenda, voting with her party 97.8 percent of the time. She has supported her party’s healthcare takeover, the failed trillion-dollar stimulus, and an economically devastating national energy tax. While in Congress, Sanchez has overseen and failed to stop the downfall of California’s economy and expanding deficit. Now, with the political tide against her, Sanchez’s career is on the line.
In 2004, Van Tran won a historic election and became the first Vietnamese-American to serve in any state legislature. During his service in the 68th district of the California State Assembly, Tran brought common-sense solutions to some of the biggest problems facing California. He fought for the expansion of Enterprise Zones to spur job creation, while simultaneously helping to save California $5 million annually by balancing the budget and restraining government spending. In the State Assembly, Tran has fought tirelessly to ensure the safety of Orange County families by supporting Jessica’s Law, Megan’s Law and the Three Strikes policy. Prior to his election, he was a managing partner of his own law practice and served as the Vice-Mayor of Garden Grove.
History. California’s 47th Congressional District has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+4 and elected President Obama with 60 percent of the vote in 2008. However, former President George W. Bush won with 50 percent of the vote in 2004.
Geography. California’s 47th Congressional District mainly consists of Orange County and includes most of Garden Grove and Anaheim. Included in the district are many of Orange County’s landmarks such as Angels Stadium and Disneyland.
Election Results:
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in California. These results are UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE until certified by the California Secretary of State.
*Denotes winner
CA-11 (GOP Primary)
100% of precincts reporting
Harmer 36.4%*
Goehring 27.8%
Amador 19.4%
Emken 16.4%
CA-19 (GOP Primary)
100% of precincts reporting
Denham 36.4%*
Patterson 30.4%
Pombo 20.8%
Westerlund 12.4%
CA-19 (Democrat primary)
100% of precincts reporting – this race has not been called
Goodwin 52.6%
Marsden 47.4%
CA-20 (GOP primary)
100% of precincts reporting
Vidak 71.4%*
Lake 21.3%
Quintanar 7.3%
CA-20 (Democrat primary)
100% precincts reporting
Costa 77.8%*
Haze 22.2%
CA-44 (GOP primary)
90.2% precincts reporting
Calvert 66.5%*
Riggs 33.5%
CA-45 (GOP primary)
83.1% precincts reporting
Bono-Mack 70.4%*
Thibodeau 29.6%
CA-47 (GOP primary)
100% precincts reporting
Tran 50%*
Smith 29%
Nguyen 20.9%
CA-50 (Democrat primary)
86% precincts reporting
Busby 65.8%*
Emblem 34.2%