Not So Fast, Kamala Harris

[Draggingtree]

City Journal:

Not So Fast, Kamala Harris

 

Once thought a shoo-in to be California’s next senator, the rising Democratic star might be in for a surprise in November.

Mark Pulliam May 16, 2016 California Politics and law

 

In the wacky world of California politics, it’s a virtual certainty that no Republican will make it past the June 7 primary in the race to succeed retiring U.S. senator Barbara Boxer. California attorney general Kamala Harris has a comfortable—but not overwhelming—lead over fellow Democrat Loretta Sanchez, a congresswoman from Orange County. Three Republican candidates trail far behind. Due to California’s unusual election rules, the top two vote-getters in the primary—regardless of party affiliation—will face each other in November. If the current polling stands, the general election to fill the senate seat Boxer has held since 1992 will likely be a contest between two liberal Democrats: Harris (now at 27 percent) and Sanchez (at 14 percent).

 

The most popular Republican currently in the race—with a scant 5 percent in the polls—is Ron Unz. A gadfly businessman-activist and former 1994 gubernatorial candidate, Unz espouses an eclectic platform that includes raising the minimum wage to $12 an hour, restricting immigration, and challenging the science behind “climate change.”