Democrats Confident They'll Keep California Congressional Seat

2 years ago

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Voters are at the polls in California's Bay Area, where a special election will determine the successor to Democratic Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher, who stepped down to take a job in the Obama administration.

Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has led his GOP opponent, businessman David Harmer, from the start and is expected to win by double digits. Democrats have an 18-point edge in registration in the district, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Garamendi, 64, is a former state insurance commissioner and lawmaker who has been active in California politics for three decades. Harmer, 47, is an attorney whose father was once lieutenant governor.

The 10th Congressional District includes Contra Costa and Solano counties near San Francisco, and small swaths of Alameda and Sacramento counties.

Also on the ballot are candidates from the Green, American Independent and Peace and Freedom parties.

If Garamendi wins, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will appoint a new lieutenant governor.

Tauscher was appointed President Obama's undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

Filed Under: House, Congress, Campaigns

Tagged: california, congress, David Harmer, DavidHarmer, john garamendi, JohnGaramendi

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