Staff Reports
Super Tuesday is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the big prize: California. Former President Donald Trump is on a mission to secure a commanding delegate victory, while President Joe Biden is also vying for a strong showing. But what really has the political pot boiling are the down-ballot races, especially the scramble for former Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat. It’s about to get spicy in the Golden State as politicians jockey for position in the race.
Super Tuesday: Schiff aims to blunt Porter as California Senate primary takes center stage https://t.co/dwNFcJnqeo via @dcexaminer
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) March 4, 2024
The drama is unfolding in California’s U.S. Senate race, with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic frontrunner for Feinstein’s seat, making a bold $11.2 million move to outmaneuver his chief Democratic rival. His plan? Elevating a GOP contender who also happens to be a baseball legend with a no-so-glamorous past and zero political experience. This high-stakes gamble has raised accusations of dirty politics and stirred up controversy over donor purity tests. It’s like a political soap opera playing out in real life!
With Feinstein’s name absent from the ballot for the first time in 30 years, California voters are faced with a crowded field of 11 candidates vying for her seat. This race requires voters to cast their ballots twice: once to fill the remainder of Feinstein’s seat and again for their choice for a full 6-year term starting in 2025. The top dogs in the race include Schiff, U.S. Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, as well as newcomer Republican Steve Garvey.
Schiff has been playing big money games, shelling out millions to boost Garvey’s chances and avoid facing Porter in a general election showdown in November. Some folks are crying foul, saying Schiff’s tactics are weakening the Democratic position and putting the GOP in the spotlight.
The nail-biting continues as the eve of the primary approaches, with a final poll from the University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies showing Garvey leading the pack with Schiff and Porter trailing behind. This unexpected twist has put Schiff under fire from Porter, who accuses him of playing political games, boosting a Republican candidate, and boxing out qualified Democratic women. Tit-for-tat, Porter has also made her own bold moves, spending big bucks to diminish Garvey’s chances and elevate herself.
The tensions are high, and the money is flowing as candidates trade blows over their fundraising tactics. Schiff and Porter are at each other’s throats, with Porter calling out Schiff for cozying up to big oil and other corporate interests. It’s a full-on showdown between the Democratic heavyweights, with no punches pulled.
In the race for endorsements, the bigwigs are rallying their troops. Schiff has locked in support from the Los Angeles Times, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a ton of California’s House delegation. On the other side, Porter has garnered backing from the San Francisco Chronicle, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and a slew of state senators. Even Lee is flexing her endorsement muscle, with heavyweight politicians and even former baseball players in her corner.
And let’s not forget Mr. Garvey, who managed to snag an endorsement from a megachurch pastor who claims it’s God’s will for Garvey to win. That’s right, folks, we’ve got divine intervention in a Senate race! It’s a wild ride in California, and the stakes are higher than ever as the candidates gear up for the main event. This is one political showdown you won’t want to miss!
