Should Republicans Recruit a Candidate Against Their Own Incumbent? | Rothenblog

Rep. Gary G. Miller, R-Calif., is one of Democrats’ top takeover targets in the House. But to hold his seat, GOP strategists might consider finding another Republican to run against him.

In 2012, Democrats had a math problem. Two Republicans and four Democrats ran in the same June primary, after which, the top two, regardless of party, moved on to the general election. It was the first cycle for the system in California and no one was quite sure how it would play out.

In the 31st District, Miller finished first with 26.7 percent and Republican state Sen. Bob Dutton finished second with 24.8 percent, leaving four Democrats on the outside looking in. Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar finished third (22.6 percent), attorney Justin Kim was fourth (13.5 percent), Renea Wickman was fifth (6.7 percent), and Rita Ramirez-Dean was sixth (5.7 percent).

This cycle, Democrats were determined not to let history repeat itself — especially in a district where President Barack Obama won with 57 percent.

via Should Republicans Recruit a Candidate Against Their Own Incumbent? | Rothenblog.