The good news for Rudy Giuliani, according to the latest California Field Poll, is that the former New York mayor is hanging onto his lead in the GOP horserace here in the Golden State. The bad news is, he’s holding on only by a thread. Even worse for the Republican Party, both in California and across the country, the GOP’s candidates remain as inspiring and exciting as a holiday fruit cake among the party faithful.

The Democrats, on the other hand, remain well-poised to keep California as blue a state as ever next November. According to Field, the Democratic candidates hold sizeable leads over their GOP rivals in head-to-head match-ups. 

That is in large part due to the fact that the Democratic candidates’ views on the Iraq war, climate change, health care and other key issues are closely in line with those of most California voters. But it is also in part a result of the Democrats spending nearly twice as much time campaigning in California as the Republican candidates have this year.

By our count, the Democrats have made close to 100 campaign stops so far this year in California. The Republican candidates (excluding Duncan Hunter, who lives in San Diego and apparently is running for President) have made only 50 campaign stops in the Golden State.

As the nation’s eyes turn to Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina over the next few weeks leading up to California’s February 5th primary, the Democratic race promises to continue to excite and motivate Democrats across the country. The Republicans, on the other hand, will most likely continue to hold their collective nose as they switch their allegiance from one mediocre candidate to the next. 

Only one thing is for certain for the Republicans: whoever they end up selecting as their nominee will inherit from President Bush the impossible task of trying to play catch-up in California.

Comments

[mike]

This morning I read that voters in NJ who voted absentee for Edwards and Giuliani(dropped before the day of the primary) went to court and it was ruled that they can vote again.(I can't remember the source)

Can voters in California try what voters in NJ did?

Who can tell me?

[Peggy]

I've been a registered Democrat for 30+ years, but you've never heard from me before, and before last night I never donated a political cent to anyone.
But now it's different.
If Clinton is the Democratic candidate, I will not only actively campaign for the Republicans, but I will also send them money. This, even though I've been waiting all my life to help elect a woman to the Presidency!
If Obama is the Democratic candidate, I will actively support him, and donate even more than the $250 I gave his campaign last night.
I know a lot of people who feel this way.
You choose.

[Ken Kenegos]

Mr. Torres,

I implore you to help make Barack Obama our candidate. It’s obvious that he is the candidate who if given the opportunity will create a new consensus for positive change. He does not have the negatives that Sen. Clinton brings to the election. He will not serve to energize conservatives. On the contrary he will move voters from the Republican to the Democratic Party. The way for Democrats to be successful in the future is to bring more Americans into the political process, to tap the 50% of the electorate that has not been voting. As Democrats we must embrace increasing participation that can only enhance democracy.

[dianebutkiewicz]

After talking to teachers & 1 school psychologist (all women), they were not happy that Dem. Party leaders stood-by while media annoited Ohbama & degraded Clinton. Didn't expect Dem. leaders to take sides but show fairness in protecting one of their own. Issues ok but choosing over a woman because Ohbama would be 1st black president is insult to women generally. All stated will vote Republican straight down the ticket (as a protest) if Clinton denied delegates in states she is favored.

[ChristineS]

Why is the conservative Republican media so obviously bias. They constantly make negative comments about Hillary Clinton and positive comments about Obama! Think about it! WHY?
Where is the factual reporting. MSNBC, CNN, FOX, etc. Shame on you!

[ChristineS]

Maxine Waters, Congresswoman, when talking about Obama said it all! She said, "We need help, not hope!"

[john ford]

sir or madam,
This is the only PLACE on your site that accepts 'comments'. Questions: How can I get the APPLICATION (via internet)to file for Community college district B.O.D. (Carlsbad-92009)
District #4. I would like to become a canidite for the office.
Please Respond- -Thanks

[Pierre Peterson]

I've decided to renege on my pledge to donate to the California Democratic Party. It wasn't a lot of money, but I cannot accept the elitist, undemocratic concept of super-delegates who may, if they so decide, vote in opposition to the choice of the popular vote. I will only donate to individual Democratic candidates until the Democratic Party dumps the aristocratic, elitist, patronizing idea of super-delegates.

[David]

Do our County Central Committees enforce our bylaws that prohibit elected Demos. and Central
Committee Members from endorsing Republican Candidates?

Yes or No?

[Richard oldendorf]

the rep party is seting up the democratic party again with switch voiting just another way to get a rep into ofice as i see it theres no chance to change usa untill we can change the way we vote the fix is in and usa will elect bush look alike in to office

[Jill Richling]

I have been a member of the Democratic party for over 35 years and have worked on several campaigns.

If Obama is the nomination I will actively work for McCain this November.

[VICTOR DE LA CRUZ]

70 YEARS OF AGE A GOLDWATER REPUBLICAN VOTED DEMOCRAT. SINCE I FIND OBAMA NOT TO BE A TRUE DEMOCRAT FOR THIS REASON HE NOW WANT REPUBLICANS IN THE REMAINING STATE TO HELP HIM WIN THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION DISREGARDING OTHER WHISHES OTHER DEMOCRATS. AS A PRECINT CAPTAIN I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN IF OBAMA IS SELECTED