In a special election to fill a California Congressional seat, Republican State Senator Jim Campbell soundly bested his Democratic challenger as well as a anti-immigration independent candidate Jim Gilchrist. The Los Angeles Times writes that the performance of Minuteman Project founder Gilchrist was seen as a national litmus test of how immigration would play as an issue in Republican areas.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-coxseat7dec07,1,1467269.story?coll=la-headlines-politicsRepublican Tops Border Activist in O.C. Election
By Jean O. Pasco, Times Staff Writer
A Republican state senator sailed to victory Tuesday in a special congressional election in coastal Orange County featuring a maverick, third-party candidate who sought to capitalize on growing fears of illegal immigration.
In a race that drew national attention, Sen. John Campbell (R-Irvine) held a wide lead throughout the evening, ending the night with nearly 45% of the vote. But it was Minuteman Project co-founder and first-time candidate Jim Gilchrist of the American Independent Party who drew the spotlight with his one-issue campaign.
Campbell, 50, was buoyant Tuesday night. "People always want to draw big conclusions, but campaigns ultimately are about the people who are running, and I'd like to think that voters thought I did a good job for them in the last five years," he said.
Democrat Steve Young finished second with 28%, and Gilchrist was third with 25%. Both candidates significantly boosted their totals over the October special election, while Campbell gained just 30 more votes.
Gilchrist lost the election, but he found victory in his showing.
"This is just a start," he said at a party Tuesday night in Lake Forest. "We've got a huge victory tonight because we've issued a wake-up call to America…. Our cause is not over, nor is my aspiration for my political career."<snip>
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