Ladd Ehlinger looks at California 36 and sees the chance to rectify a mistake that was made in the last cycle:
As I noted previously, Mattie Fein had a good showing against Jane Harman when the elections finally came. Of all the Republican candidates that were destined to lose in California (through Republican malfeasance), Mattie had one of the best showings.
This, despite having a campaign budget under $50k.
This, despite local Republican traitors like Richard Montgomery (Mayor of Manhattan Beach), Frank Scotto (Mayor of Torrance), and John Parsons (former Redondo Beach Councilman) endorsing Jane Harman. Endorsements not made for philosophical reasons, but for cronyism – legal but unethical.
This, despite the national establishment sitting on its hands, or even actively undermining their own candidate.
This, despite the majority of the national media ignoring the race almost entirely. And why did they do so? As one conservative blogger told me after the election, “Harman bought Newsweek. Harman bought The Daily Beast. She’s a vindictive woman. I might find myself applying for employment at a Harman-owned company one day. I’m not putting my neck out.”
Ah but now Harmon is gone, Mattee Fein is now the more recognized candidate, there is a republican majority that looks like it isn’t going anywhere and no other GOP races to take up national funds.
The district now has every incentive to elect Mattee and the GOP has every reason to support her. Ladd continues:
If there were two years to generate name recognition for a newcomer in the 36th district, then sure, be my guest. But this election will be held quickly in the next few months. There is no time for starry-eyed dreams of electing a dark horse tea party candidate. I hope saying so doesn’t make Katz withold one of his cigars from me this evening.
And if the conservative media – large or small – had any guts, they’d rally the troops for a win in a blue state. There is no excuse now to not do so. There are no other elections at the moment to distract from this one. There are no big news stories except for Egypt, which is in Mattie Fein’s backyard area of study and expertise.
This is a test for the national GOP and a test for the party insiders. Will they do what needs to be done? Will some of the new GOP congresswomen stand up for a find lady trying to make a difference?
Reince Priebus you are now in charge. Let’s see what you’re made of.
