FLASHREPORT

While most political observers are focused on the Super Tuesday contest next week, there is an equally interesting race shaping up in California's CD 4. This afternoon the five CRA units in the district held an endorsing convention in Placer County. In attendance were delegates from the Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Sacramento clubs. While all four candidates currently in the race were nominated, it was clear by the final result that Rico Oller is the favorite amongst conservatives. Oller easily obtained the 2/3 majority with 17 votes, Doug Ose and Eric Egland received 2 votes apiece, and Ted Terbolizard received no votes. None of the candidates were in attendance, nor were there representative from any campaigns. 

A major bone of contention preceding this convention was the fact the March 7th filing deadline for the CD 4 race has not yet expired. In fact, more candidates could enter the race (although it is highly unlikely that any other "contenders" will at this point). However, for all the arguing before the convention, the issue was not raised during convention debate. Also receiving an endorsement for the 4th Assembly District seat was incumbent Ted Gaines. Gaines had considered running for Doolittle's seat but ultimately bowed out.

The timing for the CRA endorsement couldn't have been better for the Oller campaign as Doug Ose officially announced his candidacy just yesterday. While Ose has strong support from local elected officials (Senator Dave Cox and all five Placer County supervisors have endorsed him), party activists seem to be coalescing behind Oller. The CRA endorsement definitely puts the "conservative" stamp of approval on Oller's campaign.