CA-03: Ami Bera Stands Alone

by: Brian Leubitz

Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 14:33:43 PM PST

Dr. Ami Bera is now the last formidable candidate standing for the Democratic nomination in CA-03. Today, Bill Slaton, a director of the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, dropped out of the race, despite his impressive numbers in the last quarter's fundraising data.

The more I have spoken to people about what I can contribute to public policy and the more I have listened to their concerns, the clearer it has become that my best opportunity for service lies right here at home. Working to develop the new energy economy and the green jobs we need is the challenge I truly want to tackle. Consequently, I am ending my campaign for Congress and will turn my full attention to the tremendous opportunities facing SMUD and the alternative energy start-ups locating here.
The window of opportunity for establishing our region as one of the nation's hubs for this emerging industry will not stay open long. We have to seize the momentum now.
This morning I shared my decision to withdraw from the Congressional race with Dr. Ami Bera and offered him my support. I wish him well and look forward to working with him on these issues when he is our next Representative in Congress.

Bera, a doctor and former Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County, now looks set to take on Dan Lungren. Lungren barely managed to squeak past an underfunded Bill Durston in 2008, and the district went for Obama. Bera, with his cash-on-hand totals now topping Lungren's totals could make this one of the more interesting races in the country.

UPDATE: I just got Dr. Bera's statement.

Bill Slaton has been a champion for renewable energy development and a strong leader in the community. I am honored to have his support as we work toward our shared goal-pushing aside partisanship and working to create jobs and opportunity for Californians. Bill's support will be critical as we continue to build momentum for the change we need in Congress.

Full email from Bill Slaton and press release from Ami Bera over the flip.

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CA-03: Time To Take Another Look at This Race

by: Brian Leubitz

Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 11:12:21 AM PDT

(Wow, CA-03 looks like it will be a top race to watch. - promoted by Brian Leubitz)

UPDATE: Dan Lungren's data was just released, and once again Dr. Ami Bera has out raised Dan Lungren. This time, Bill Slaton has also outraised Lungren. Lungren raised $196,872.81 for a total of $443,718.52 Cash on hand. There are now two formidable opponents for Lungren. Unless the winning candidate drains his finances in the primary, Lungren will face a tough race in 2010.

It's 3rd Quarter fundraising number season for federal candidates, and the data is just beginning to trickle out in front of this week's deadline.

CA-03 is looking ever more intriguing, though. Dan Lungren pulled less than 50% in his 2008 victory over Bill Durston. However, Durston was always critically low on funding, and really didn't have the resources to get his message out.

However, if Dr. Ami Bera grabs the nomination, that will not happen this year. Bera, the former Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County, released his fundraising results for the third quarter of 2009 today. Dr. Bera's campaign raised $335,443.00 between July 1st and September 30th. The campaign reported an impressive $585,787.00 in cash-on-hand at the end of the quarter.

Numbers for the other Democratic nominee, Bill Slaton, and Lungren are not yet available. Last quarter, Bera outraised Lungren, and was only behind in cash on hand by $36K. Slaton wasn't doing bad himself, but unless he really hit the gas on fundraising, Bera's big numbers might end up looking very formidable in a primary.

Money isn't everything, but for the Congressional campaign of a heretofore unknown candidate, you simply cannot win without substantial monetary resources.

I'll update with numbers from Slaton and Lungren when available.

UPDATE: Well, well, Slaton's numbers are also impressive. We might end up with an interesting primary in the district. From his press release:

Democratic candidate Bill Slaton reported adding $253,418 to his campaign coffers this quarter, bringing his total cash on hand to $398,506. Slaton, the SMUD Board Vice President, green energy advocate and entrepreneur, is running to challenge Republican Congressman Dan Lungren in California's 3rd District. 69% of the contributors are 3rd Congressional district residents.

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The Obama Eight: CA-3

by: Packherd

Wed Jul 15, 2009 at 20:21:32 PM PDT

Only one of the Obama Eight is in NorCal and it may be one of the hottest contests of the coming cycle. It's Dan Lungren vs. a slew a suddenly well-funded Dems.

Oh, and how's this for a little Democratic hustle? A source tells me that Bill Slaton, a SMUD Board Member and recent addition to the Dem field will post $227,000 for the first quarter and that he raised that amount in just three weeks with nothing but a phone and a rolodex.

Lots to consider, after the jump...

Crossposted @ Packherd Blog

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