Congressional District 49: Gnarly Forecast for Republicans
In 2018, the 49th Congressional District was a crucial contest, part of the Blue Wave that swept over California, one costing Republicans seven House seats.
Former Congressman Darrell Issa saw the handwriting on the wall and retired, hoping for a role in the Trump administration. Problems with his background check ended that quest.
Attorney Mike Levin emerged as the winner in a crowded primary. Second place winner Diane Harkey, the kind of candidate the Orange County GOP had promoted for decades, lost in the general election by 13 points.
Republicans blamed a contentious primary for their poor showing, and united behind San Juan Capistrano Mayor Brian Maryott for the 2020 election. It was a curious choice, given that he’d finished in eighth place with 3% of the vote in the 2018 primary. But, hey, he’s a Trumper, so I guess that’s what is important.
Levin and Maryott were the sole names on the primary ballot, meaning it was effectively a dress rehearsal for the general election. Levin beat Maryott by more than 11 points. Given the expected boost in turnout for the general election, it’s no wonder the seat is rated “Safely Democratic.”
On paper, it shouldn’t be that easy for Democrats, who hold less than a percentage point edge in voter registrations. As is true throughout California, the size of the Republican electorate has steadily shrunk in this century, and the second largest block (No Political Party) of voters has been more attracted to Democrats in recent elections.
The National Republican Congressional Committee made Rep. Levin an official “target” for this election. Maryott’s campaign has thrown the kitchen sink at Levin, calling him a radical socialist who pals around with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying he wants to raise taxes, will send a death squad to take away voters' healthcare, and coddles criminals on a regular basis.
The GOP is desperate to get Levin on a debate stage with their guy, and it ain’t gonna happen. Why wrestle with pigs if you don’t have to?
Congressman Mike Levin has worked hard at representing his constituents and is a dependable vote for good causes, especially those related to the environment and veterans. If you live in the 49th, casting a vote for Levin should be a no-brainer.
https://twitter.com/Morning_Joe/status/1063403776063741953?s=20
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Mike Levin
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Endorsements
Bio: Born in Inglewood, raised in South Orange County. Worked with corporate-type clean energy groups, was executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County and a member of the National Finance Committee in Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign for President
Education: Was president of the student body at Stanford University, attended Duke University School of Law.
Relevant experience: Incumbent Congressman, serving on House Committee on Natural Resources ) Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources & Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife); United States House Committee on Veterans Affairs (Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity -Chair- & Subcommittee on Health); United States House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
A significant accomplishment: Started his 2018 campaign by giving then-incumbent Darrell Issa a copy of “Climate Change for Beginners” at a town hall.
Politics in a nutshell: Liberal environmentalist
$$$$
Aggregate Fundraising Numbers for Mike Levin: $2,953,600.00
A sampling of links concerning Mike Levin
Levin Discusses Climate Action Plan; Maryott Announces Environmental Platform
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Rep. Mike Levin hear from San Diego leaders about relief priorities
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Brian Maryott
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Endorsements
Bio: Worked for Wells Fargo bank, is a certified financial planner.
Education: Pepperdine University:BA, Political Science from American International College
Relevant experience: Chief of Staff for a State Legislator in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, San Juan Capistrano, Mayor Pro-Tem.
A significant accomplishment: Has criticized San Diego Unified School District for beginning the school year with on-line only learning.
Politics in a nutshell: Very conservative, calls himself “Law Enforcement’s Choice.”
$$$$
Aggregate Fundraising Numbers for Brian Maryott: $1,723,523.00
Including $200,000.00 in Loans
A sampling of links concerning Brian Maryott
Brian Maryott, GOP Rival to Rep. Levin, Fends Off Democratic Claims of Ethics Violations
Republican Brian Maryott Reports Strong Fundraising, Howard Jarvis Endorsement
Former Rep. Darrell Issa endorses Brian Maryott for Congress
Wednesday: House of Representatives, CA District 50
Voter Guide – You’ve Voted for President, what’s next?
I’ll be writing about many ballot measures and candidates between now and the end of September. That work will be condensed into a handy-dandy voter guide just in time for your mail-in ballots to arrive. I’m the guy who coordinated San Diego Free Press’s Voter Guides over the past decade, so this won’t be my first effort. Stay tuned.
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