Talk:2009 California's 10th congressional district special election

Primary Campaign
I have removed the following biased speculation. Similar to the special election in California's 32nd district, the democratic lean of the district means that the Democrat who makes it to the runoff is likely to win the seat. The district hold an 18 point Democratic voter registration edge and gave Obama 65% of the vote in the 2008 election.[17] While State Senator Mark DeSaulnier seemed to be the Democratic front runner, having secured Tauscher's ednorsement, as well as other high-profile congressmen and unions, the entry of Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has made the future of the race much less certain.[18] Garamendi, who adandoned his big for governor after low polls numbers benefits from the name reconqinition he has after 30 years in California politics.[19] Antioch City Councilwoman Martha Parsons, points out that the dynamics of a special election favor the well-known Lt. Governor. “It’s a special election, so you have to get out the vote, win name recognition. That gives Garamendi an advantage over Mark DeSaulnier.”[20]

State Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan will likely have the backing of EMILY'S List and plans to secure the female vote as well as highlight her long-time service in the district. Both she and DeSailneir plan to paint Garamendi as a "chronic office seeker" who has no strong ties in the district.[21]

With the Republicans having a steep hill to climb in the district due to its democratic edge[22], "California insiders predict that the race is headed for an all-out summer brawl among three heavyweights, all of whom have built-in constituencies. Buchanan, for her part, is aiming to capture the female vote, while Garamendi and DeSaulnier split the male vote." Each of the three have a key advantage acording to experts. DeSaulnier has the advantage of endorsements, Buchanan has the advantage of gender, and Garamendi has the advantage of name recognition.[23]

Let's eliminate the soapboxing WP:SOAP for DeSaulnier, Garamendi, and Buchanan and stick to facts. --Dr.enh (talk) 22:57, 9 July 2009 (UTC)
 * "the democratic lean of the district means that the Democrat who makes it to the runoff is likely to win the seat"
 * "Mark DeSaulnier seemed to whom to be the Democratic front runner"?
 * "entry of Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has made future of the race much less certain" according to the DeSaulnier campaign (see source).
 * "Garamendi, who adandoned his big for governor" still has an active campaign committee for his bid for governor.
 * "Antioch City Councilwoman and DeSaulnier campaign manager Martha Parsons." (see source)
 * "Joan Buchanan will likely have the backing of EMILY'S List" according to Joan Buchanan (see source)
 * Note the bias in the lack of quotes from any campaigns other than DeSaulnier, Garamendi, and Buchanan.


 * Very well, i have edited the primary campaign info, only including facts such as endorsements and campaign tactics. I have removed analysis of the race in terms of Democratic lean or apparent front-runners. Bluedemocrat (talk) 23:32, 9 July 2009 (UTC)

John Garamindi
If Garamindi wins which is looking likely, would it be worth it to have a special Lt. Governor election as he would only serve about a year, unless reelected? —Preceding unsigned comment added by BenW (talk • contribs) 17:55, 11 September 2009 (UTC)


 * There will be no special election for the seat of Lieutenant Governor. If there is a vacancy in any constitutional office (which also includes the Secretary of State, State Controller, Attorney General, etc.) the Governor nominates someone who is approved by a majority vote in the State Legislature. If the legislature fails to hold a vote within 90 days of the nomination the nominee is instantly confirmed. In the State of California there are only special elections for vacancies in the State Legislature and the House of Representatives. – Zntrip 19:37, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

"Issues" section
I have a couple of problems with this section. The first is that it claims that there are multiple issues, yet only one is listed. Also, the reference provided does not have an article name or a URL, not even a page number. The biggest problem I have is that it presents the fact that Garamendi doesn't live in the district as being an "issue". Why is it an issue, and who christened it as such? As I mentioned a representative needn't live in the district that he or she is representing, simply in the state. Occasionally candidates run for office in a district they do not live in, but many who win the election move to their new district. I think it is misleading that none of this is mention, but I wouldn't include it because I don't think it's significant that he doesn't live in the district in the first place. – Zntrip 06:43, 2 November 2009 (UTC)