How is it that a Republican Senate candidate with vague policy plans and no political experience has a strong shot at making it through the primary election and onto the November ballot in deep blue California?
Former Dodgers player Steve Garvey has surprised Democrats and delighted conservatives with his popularity in the race thus far — even as his competitors accuse him of failing to articulate a clear vision for accomplishing his agenda.
While Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) leads the polls, recent data shows Garvey in a close competition with Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) to clinch second place in the March 5 primary election and advance to the November general election. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) trails in fourth place and Republican attorney Eric Early is in last.
The secret to Garvey’s success: part star power and style, part favorable odds and political climate, experts say.
Garvey will be the first to admit the cachet of his celebrity appeal. Fourteen seasons with the Dodgers, five with the Padres, ten all star seasons and a World Series championship have made him a household name across the state and country.
“By playing with great players and managers and having lots of passionate fans, I developed this currency of millions of people knowing who I am,” he said in an interview. “The currency of that trust and friendship with the people is why I’m running today.”
Then there is also the benefit of simple math. Garvey strongly profits from the Democratic vote being split between Schiff, Porter and Lee in the primary.
“On a statewide poll in California if you have an ‘R’ behind your name, it’s sort of like wearing the scarlet letter,” said Joel Fox, adjunct professor at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. “The rules are a little different for the primary, especially if you’re in a contested primary where there’s a lot of Democrats running.”
Garvey does face a Republican competitor in attorney Eric Early….
Read the full article here
