[Funny when bloggers "post on top" of each other — please read Matt Cunnnigham’s post and analsysis below on this race – then you can factor in my 10 cents, along with my interview with Tran. Always full and complete coverage from the FlashReport! – Jon]
I just got off the phone with Assemblyman Van Tran, who shared with me that he has, in fact, launched an exploratory effort to gauge support for a run for State Senate in Central Orange County’s 34th District. This is the seat occupied currently by Democrat Senator Joe Dunn, who is facing term limits. 
"I think that I have strong message to bring to the residents of Central Orange County – one of limited government, individual liberty and working to create economic prosperity," said Tran.
"I am very pleased that Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, as well as two very esteemed former State Chairmen of the California Republican Party, Mike Schroeder and Shawn Steel, will be heading up this exploratory effort."
While a bank account has not been opened up quite yet, I’ve been assured that this will be happenning quickly. What are the factors that will weigh in on whether this exploratory effort turns into "the real deal" I asked Tran?
"Community support is critical, as well as working to raise the funds necessary to communcate my message to Central County voters," said Tran.
I asked Van if the potential candidacy of neighboring Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher was going to be a factor in his decision making. Van said that everything was a factor at this point, which was why he is forming this exploratory effort.
Before we got off of the phone, Van said to me, "Jon, you’ve known me since our days as conservative college activists — I do my homework and then I charge hard. Right now, we are at the homework stage, and if my exploratory team and I decide that this is a go – you can expect me to put the same drive and determination into this race as you have come to expect."
Well, I can certain attest to Van’s energy and commitment – he is the virtual ‘Energizer Bunny’ of campaigning.
One thing is certain — with Tran’s formation of this exploratory effort, there will be worry in the leadership of the Democrats in the State Senate. And let me give end this post by giving praise to the Orange County Republican Party, and its Chairman, Scott Baugh. With their efforts, the registration numbers in this once heavily-Democrat district are now muuuuch more competitive.
On the Democrat side of the isle, what had been a ‘lock’ on the Demo nomation for Assemblyman Tom Umberg is now in question as former Assemblyman and now County Supervisor Lou Correa is rumored to be seriously looking at jumping into the fray. (Umberg was caught up in a scandal recently with revalations of an marital infidelity being made public.)
Clearly this, in "Drudge" parlance, is DEVELOPING..