California Primary Election 2006 Results Watch: GOP Bilbray WINS CA-50
Brian Bilbray, Republican candidate in the 50th congressional district, center, addresses supporters as his daughter Briana Bilbray, left, son Patrick Bilbray, center left, and his wife his wife Karen Bilbray, right, look on at an election night party held at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego Tuesday, June 6, 2006.
ASSociated Press: Former GOP Rep. wins Calif. House race
A former Republican congressman narrowly beat his Democratic rival early Wednesday for the House seat once held by jailed Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a race closely watched as a possible early barometer of next fall’s vote.
Republican Brian Bilbray emerged victorious after a costly and contentious special election race against Democrat Francine Busby, a local school board member.
With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Bilbray had 56,130 votes, or 50 percent. Busby trailed with 51,292 votes, or 45 percent. “I think that we’re going back to Washington,” Bilbray told cheering supporters.
The race — one of dozens of contests Tuesday in eight states — was viewed by Democrats as an opportunity to capture a solidly Republican district and build momentum on their hopes to capture control of the House.
If this election is an example or a portent for November 2006, the GOP will handily retain control of the House in November.
However, the margin of victory for Bilbray was 5-6 points lower than what President Bush carried the district in 2004. So, there is work for the GOP.
But, the main thrust of Democrat Party Mo has been STALLED……
The Democrat Pary “Culture of Corrupion” is DEAD.
Speaker Hastert’s statement is here:
House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert made the following statement upon hearing that Brian Bilbray won California’s 50th Congressional seat:
“I want to congratulate Brian Bilbray on his victory in a hard fought race where voters clearly sided with local issues of protecting the homeland, growing the economy and securing the borders over a national Democratic agenda of higher taxes and border insecurity. I look forward to working with Brian on these issues in the House of Representatives.”
Watch immigration reform (illegal aliens) as a MAJOR issue for the GOP in the Fall. Bilbray ran on “No Amnesty” and heavily criticized the Senate bill with the appropach favored by President Bush.
Stay tuned……
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