[Note: I totally OWE FR Los Angeles Blogger Mike Spence now — get this, he had this breaking news much earlier than me, and had posted it up as a "draft" in our system. When I heard about this, I called him, and asked if I could put up his post. He said to go for it. One wrong button pushed, and instead of putting up his draft, I deleted it! Oops. So this is my apology to Mike, and my pennance – I had to write a post on this – but Spence gets the breaking-news nod, and he may post his analysis (again?) on the ramifications – Flash]
In 2004, the only thing that stood between ultra-liberal Adam Schiff’s re-election and retirement was Republican candidate Harry Scolinos. Scolinos would be in Congress today were in not for
the horrific ‘incumbent protection plan’ that redrew this Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena House seat from one that would elect Jim Rogan into one that could now elect Ron Dellums.
Scolinos, after opening many eyes with his strong and well-financed effort against Schiff had been, until now, looking closely at a run for the 59th Assembly District, where incumbent Republican Dennis Mountjoy is facing term limits (Mountjoy is rumored to be looking at a run for State Senate down the road).
I spoke today with Scolinos right hand man, Brandon Powers (yes, the same Brandon Powers who is state Chairman of California Young Americans for Freedom). He told me that Scolinos is keeping his focus on his business and with his family.
The advantage in this primary now clearly goes to Anthony Adams. Read more on his campaign here, as reported by FR San Bernardino County contributor Brad Mitzelfelt (the 59th is split between Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties).