Assemblywoman Shirley Horton is termed out next year, and the word on the street is that Dem leadership in Sacramento is worried about the candidacy of Republican-turned-Democrat Auday Arabo, nephew of former State Senator Wadie Deddeh. Democrats are still reeling over six GOP years in a seat they thought they designed for themselves in 2001.
Arabo has raised big early money, but he might be the first to admit a two-edged sword exists as a result. His ties to the California Independent Grocers & Convenience Store Owners (CAIGCS) provides loads of fundraising ability, but also puts many of the donors in the alcohol and tobacco categories, an inordinate number in fact. To be fair, he also has quite a few donors from the D.A.s office, given his past employ there. The irony is a significant mixture of donations from law enforcement and convenience store related interests.
There may be nothing wrong with that on the surface, but any decent consultant with a potential horse in this race has gone thru Arabo’s campaign disclosures while imagining mail pieces. Welcome to elective politics, Auday.
According to key players, there are a growing number of Democrats that believe Auday is vulnerable to any GOP primary winner. Republicans confirm they are salivating for a shot at Arabo, as many are reeling over his change in registration, and several feel betrayed. Sacramento Democrats are looking hard at Sweetwater Union High School District Board Member Arlie Ricasa, a Filipino (a key swing vote in the district, and one that Republicans have managed to hold onto firmly in recent years) or longtime operative and SD Community College Trustee Marty Block. It looks as though Maxine Sherard, the 2006 Democrat nominee, has been pressured out of the race.
When I posted "Arabo First Out of the Blocks in Horton Seat" in December of last year, it caused a flurry of competing comments. Let’s see if things have changed.
I’ll focus on the Republicans later.
Have a great week!
September 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Mr. Arabo’s committee shows $300K cash on hand in their
latest report to the Secretary of State.
That is 3 times the amount any other Democrat in the 78th
is reporting.
It’s not easy to “pressure” someone with that kind of fund-
raising strength.
September 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Jim, understood. I don’t believe the Dem leadership has a hope of pressuring Auday out…they want to ensure he has significant competition in the D primary as they are concerned about his prospects in the general.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Barry:
Sorry if my comment came across as a challenge. I know you
are already aware of the things I mentioned.
This was meant to fill in some details for our friends around
the great Golden State.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Jim:
None taken! My goal was the same as yours…further detail and clarity.
And, you can challenge me anytime for any of my sins — wrong, fuzzy, or fuzzy-headed!
September 18th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Marty Block has been eyeing this seat for years. As I recall, the DEM leadership forced him out of the 94′ primary to clear the field for now Rep. Davis. Based on recent elections, it wouldn’t shock me if the the Dems leadership supported Arlie as she fits the mold…female…school board member…the Asian Pacific Islander heritage to boot.