Rothenberg Changes CA-52 Race From “Tilt Democrat” to “Pure Toss Up”
San Diego – For the second time in recent months, Scott Peters’ chances of reelection have been downgraded – this time to “pure toss-up” – by Rothenberg Political Report, showing continued momentum for DeMaio in his race to unseat Scott Peters.
The analysis states Peters “is extremely vulnerable” – and “DeMaio may actually start the race with higher name I.D. than the incumbent.”
DeMaio’s candidacy has attracted major national attention, with Washington observers pointing to DeMaio’s success in advancing critical reforms in San Diego on a bipartisan basis and acknowledging the role DeMaio can play as a ‘New Generation Republican’ who focuses on pocketbook, economic and quality of life issues in a more positive and inclusive way.
“Scott Peters is clearly losing his grip on this seat as voters see that he’s trying to be something he’s not,” said Dave McCulloch, spokesperson for the DeMaio campaign. “Peters is trying to run from his extreme record of fiscal recklessness and economic negligence,” continued McCulloch.
DeMaio has been a top recruit of the National Republican Congressional Committee, especially when independent polling shows DeMaio with a 9 to 14-point lead over Peters – the best polling numbers in the country for any challenger. Polling also showed DeMaio with a significant favorability advantage over Peters.
DeMaio carried the 52nd District with 58% of the vote during the mayoral race in 2012, and was a proven reformer on the San Diego City Council. He gained national attention for being the spearhead behind San Diego’s successful Comprehensive Pension Reform initiative in June of 2012.
Learn more about Carl DeMaio’s candidacy at carldemaio.com
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Rothenberg Political Report’s independent analysis of CA-52 race
Democrat Scott Peters defeated Rep. Brian Bilbray (R), 51 percent to 48 percent, in 2012 and is extremely vulnerable in his first re-election. Peters faces former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio (R) this fall in what should be one of the top races in the country.
After a high profile (though unsuccessful) bid for mayor of San Diego, DeMaio may actually start the race with higher name I.D. than the incumbent. The Republican also got out to a strong fundraising pace with over $1 million in 2013. That should put him at or near Peters in finances.
On a side note, Republicans are well-positioned to win the San Diego mayoral race in a February 11 special election. Even though the electorates are considerably different than the congressional district, a GOP victory could energize Republicans and boost DeMaio even more.
At this point, it’s not even clear that Peters has any advantage at all. Move to Pure Toss-Up.