Republican Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo won a hotly contested race for the 15th California Senate District this Tuesday. The seat became vacant upon its former occupant, the Republican Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria, taking his current office.
Blakeslee won 48.8 percent of the vote to his opponent former Democratic Assemblyman John Laird 44.1 percent of the vote. Both candidates previously participated in a special election where Blakeslee was unable to reach the 50 percent plus 1 vote majority required to prevent a runoff from taking place.
The district encompasses all or parts of Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 41 percent to 34 percent in the 15th Senate District, yet voters have elected Republicans to this State Senate seat since 1996.
Blakslee’s victory means that the Republicans will prevent Democrats from snatching an opportunity that would have had Democrats one vote away from a supermajority to pass legislation in the State Senate. Democrats remain four votes shy of a supermajority in the State Assembly.
Republicans maintain political relevance as minority party via the State Constitutional requirement that requires a two-thirds vote in favor of any measure involving finances. The Republicans can effectively block any Democratic proposals that require spending through this supermajority requirement.
Blakeslee led the Republican charge in the State Assembly to block proposed tax increases by the Democrats which would have helped to plug California’s ever-expanding State deficit. His Democratic opponent and Democratic Assemblyman John Laird has indicated his support for creating alternative revenues sources such as an oil severance tax as well as placing a marked priory on funding public higher education.
Both candidates raised around $1 million for their respective war chests and heavy hitters from both statewide and the national political scene lined up to endorse either candidate. Republican Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman endorsed Blakeslee while President Barack Obama gave his endorsement to Laird.
President Obama compared the problems the Democrats face with working with the Republican minority in California, with the problems he has to had to face with working with the Republican minority in Washington, D.C.
This summer race could provide a taste of what is to come this November. Election officials in all five counties which comprise the district reported high voter turnout and at polling stations and through absentee ballots.