The Ventura County Star reported Tuesday that Hannah-Beth Jackson was set to announce her candidacy Wednesday for California’s District 19 Senate seat.
A Jackson announcement, said to be scheduled for Mound Elementary in Ventura, would mean that Jim Dantona, who declared his candidacy months ago, would have company in his quest for the Democratic nomination.
The winner of the primary will be pitted against Republican Tony Strickland, the only candidate so far for his party’s nomination.
News of Jackson’s impending announcement kicked off a fierce debate on Brian Dennert’s blog, which has a good readership of both parties.
The question of whether Jackson’s announcement would make Democrats weaker in the district was widely discussed.
“Democrats aren’t afraid of a little competition,” wrote Laura Winchester. “I’m looking forward to a spirited competition.”
Heather Schmidt, who recently stepped down as president of the Young Progressive Democrats of Ventura County, wrote, “I look forward to a fair primary and hope that at the end the Dems can unite to take down the Strickland-machine.”
Republicans, predictably, were less generous. Most hoped that Jackson’s entering the race would divide the Democratic vote.
News of Jackson’s announcement came just before Dantona’s big fundraiser on Thursday. Donors will be able to rub shoulders with former Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and California Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata.
This lucky blogger was among those invited to come and report on the event. Check back here Friday for the scoop.
