Balance of power in House may hinge on state races

CALIFORNIA : CAMPAIGN 2012

June 03, 2012|Phil Willon

"Republicans really hoped that when this independent redistricting commission created these districts, they would pick up some seats," said political scientist Larry Gerston of San Jose State University. "Now the state could be more blue. Indigo. You can't get any bluer than that."

Republicans have been on the decline in California because of the divisive policies embraced by the party, including those involving immigration and gay rights, said GOP consultant Richard Grenell of Los Angeles, former foreign policy spokesman for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign.

Republican candidates should stick to a message of limited government and economic prosperity, which appeals across party lines, he said.

"I think the president's unpopularity, the high unemployment numbers, the dismal budget prospects in Sacramento -- all mean that the Democrats are scrambling to keep their coalitions together," Grenell said.

"But that doesn't mean Republicans are going to win," he said. "Candidates who choose to be divisive are going to find themselves losing on election night."

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phil.willon@latimes.com

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