48th district election update...

Will leave the heavy-duty election analysis to Dan...

In a nutshell, Dan was working for Jim Gilchrist's campaign. Since none of the candidates, including the "annointed" Republican, John Campbell, secured a majority of votes the special election to fill SEC-bound Chris Cox's seat, the top vote-getter from each party will be involved in a runoff in early December. Gilchrist, who garnered about 15% of the vote while running as an American Independent, will be part of the runoff, as of course will Campbell, who "won" this election with 46%. Runner-up Marilyn Brewer, a Republican who netted about 17%, will not be invited to the December festivities. The Democrat candidate, Steve Young (not the 49er...I don't think), tallied all of about 9%. He will be involved in the December runoff, too, but in this district (as in many OC districts, save Loretta Sanchez' Santa Ana) a Dem has about as much chance as the Kansas City Royals did of winning the AL pennant this season.

Anything above 10%, and forcing a runoff, was pretty good for Gilchrist, the leader of the Minutemen. Though mostly a one-trick pony with his anti-immigation theme, it is a hot topic that is really beginning to resonate, and the mere fact that he has forced Campbell into a runoff is a moral victory of sorts. Though his odds of overtaking Campbell in December remain long, every percentage point he picks up will be watched closely by Arnold and countless other politicians who will have to make the immigration dilemma a part of their upcoming campaign platforms.

The 48th district runoff is a real test-tube of sorts for the immigration issue. So far, results confirm it is a definite hot-button topic for upcoming elections.

(How'd I do, Dan?)...

P.S.-Check out the Gilchrist website, www.jimgilchrist.com, and go to the photos section. Click on the October 3 photos from the KFI debate with Campbell. Scroll down that photo page and you will find a nice picture of my wife alongside a Gilchrist aide!