Only in California: Democrats on offense in Assembly races

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

While the storm clouds are gathering for national Democrats, here in California, Democrats are hoping to add to their majority in the state Assembly.

Polls show Assemblywoman Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills), who won a narrow victory over Republican Jack Sieglock in a banner Democratic year two years ago, has opened a wide lead over Sieglock this time around. And in a Sacramento-area seat long held by Republicans, Democrat Richard Pan has raised more than $1.4 million in his race against Republican Andy Pugno, one of the authors of Proposition 8, the 2008 measure that outlawed same-sex marriage. The race between Pugno and Pan has turned into one of most hotly contested races this year. In the last week, Democrats have moved more than $400,000 into Pan’s campaign, mostly through the state and various county Democratic Party committees.

Republicans see the race between incumbent Democrat Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) and San Ramon Mayor Abram Wilson as their best chance for a pickup this fall. That race is also a rematch of the 2008 election. More than $3.5 million was spent on the campaign in 2008.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento