Google+
  • Meet Sandra
    • Meet Sandra
    • Watch Sandra's Story
    • Photos
  • The District
  • Endorsements
  • Issues
    • Issues
    • Gender Equality
    • Campaign Finance & Government Reform
    • Environment & Transportation
    • Health Care
    • Education
    • Jobs, Economic Security and Worker Protection
    • Veterans and Military Families
    • LGBTQ Rights
  • News
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Be a Volunteer Team Captain
    • Register to Vote
    • Events
    • Make the Call for Sandra
  • Contact

Daily Breeze: Allen, Fluke will face off for 26th District seat

By Kurt Gonska on June 10, 2014


8th-post-featured

By Carley Dryden, Originally Published on Daily Breeze

The primary race for the 26th Senate District was anyone’s game, analysts predicted, and it proved to be a nail biter until the bitter end.

Though Democrat Ben Allen bolted to the lead and stayed there during the vote count Tuesday, activist Sandra Fluke climbed into the second spot — thus qualifying for the November runoff — late in the night.

The two bested six others in the field, all but one Democrats, in their bid to succeed Ted Lieu, who gave up the Senate seat to run for Congress. 

Analysts say crowded races, like in the 26th Senate District and the 33rd Congressional District where Lieu qualified for the runoff Tuesday, and subsequent voter confusion likely contributed to the pitiful voter turnout.

Allen, a two-term member of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, was the top vote-getter with 21.9 percent of the vote. Fluke, a West Hollywood attorney who gained notoriety after she was verbally assailed by conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, came in second with 19.4 percent.

Independent Seth Stodder was third with 17.7 percent of the vote. Democrat Betsy Butler, a former state assemblywoman, had 16.5 percent and Manhattan Beach Mayor Amy Howorth, also a Democrat, had 15.6 percent.

 “We are very excited over here,” Allen said early Wednesday. “It’s an incredible feeling. It is sort of a combination of humility and surprise and gratitude and excitement.”

In a statement Wednesday, Fluke said: “I am immensely proud of my campaign. We ran a campaign that shows what kind of elected official I will be: one who is accountable to the individuals who voted me into office, not to special interests.

“I’m proud the voters know that I will be the kind of progressive leader who isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right, and will always fight for them.”

 Both Allen and Fluke live in the northern reaches of the 26th District, which begins in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and proceeds northward to Santa Monica. It then juts to the east and takes in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood.

Scott Lay, a Davis-based political analyst and publisher of AroundtheCapitol.com, said that despite low young-voter turnout statewide, young voters locally — especially students around UCLA and Santa Monica College — likely helped Fluke finish in the top two.

“She had the personal story, and she probably drew in women voters who would have gone with Betsy Butler,” he said.

As for Allen, Lay said he clearly benefited from generous independent expenditures from Republican-turned-independent Bill Bloomfield, a wealthy businessman and former congressional candidate. Bloomfield spent about $600,000 on Allen’s behalf.

“Ben probably got a significant Republican and moderate/independent vote,” Lay said. “He was given the ‘conservative Democrat’ pedigree by Bill Bloomfield’s support.”

Lay noted that the “abysmal” Los Angeles County voter turnout — 18.8 percent — could be attributed to a multitude of factors.

He said that while many expected independents to flock to the polls under the new “top-two” primary system — which allows voters to pick candidates outside of their own party, and independents to pick candidates in parties — the system backfired.

“There’s a strong suggestion it made (voting) more confusing because you had more candidates to consider,” Lay said. “When you have 18 candidates on a ballot for Congress, you kind of throw up your hands and say, ‘I’ll come to the polls when there are only two in November.’ Has the top-two backfired and reduced turnout?”

Lay said Tuesday’s primary election is not a strong predictor of turnout come November, when controversial measures will appear on the ballot.

“Initiatives are powerful in drawing people out,” he said. “Issues are easier than candidates. ‘Do I want more money for schools or do I not want my taxes raised’ vs. ‘Here are 18 candidates running for Congress.’ ”

Lay said the primary was devoid of the kind of measures that elicit passionate voter turnout.

“Voters aren’t angry on these issues,” he said.

Brian Sumers contributed to this article.

Stand with Sandra


    Latest News

  • LA Weekly: Sandra Fluke Endured Rush Limbaugh's Attacks. Now She Wants a Seat in the California Senate
    October 21, 2014 by Kaya Masler
  • Daily Breeze Reports: Attorney General Kamala Harris endorses Sandra Fluke for South Bay Senate seat
    October 21, 2014 by Kaya Masler
  • Daily Breeze Reports: Sandra Fluke claims fundraising lead over opponent Ben Allen in Senate race
    October 17, 2014 by Kaya Masler

Sandra on Twitter

Tweets by @SandraFluke

Sandra on Facebook

Endorsements

  • Sandra Fluke is a champion for California women and their families. She bravely spoke up on Capitol Hill in defense of contraceptive coverage and has been a tireless advocate in California on behalf of legislation like last year’s Abortion Access Bill (AB 154, Atkins). She is not only a pro-choice candidate, but part of a new generation of progressive leaders fighting for reproductive justice. In the Senate, Sandra will join a committed pro-choice majority. Endorsing Sandra was an obvious choice, because we know that she will be a champion and leader for reproductive rights in Sacramento. We’re so excited to help her get there.

    -Amy Everitt, State Director, NARAL Pro-Choice California

  • She is one of a fresh, new generation of feminists, and it is exciting to see her take this step in her political career. I know Sandra will fight in Sacramento for progressive values and change to better the lives of everyone in her district. I look forward to supporting her campaign from now until Election Day!

    -Gloria Steinem

  • Although I would have loved to have her as a colleague in Congress, the people of the 26th Senate District will be lucky to have Sandra fighting for them. Sandra will be able to create the progressive change in Sacramento that unfortunately Congress is unable to achieve in this political climate. This is a great first step for Sandra’s political career and I wholeheartedly endorse her for State Senate.

    -Congresswoman Janice Hahn

  • I am thrilled to endorse Sandra’s bid for State Senate. She is a true progressive leader who has already worked to pass important legislation here in California. As chair of the Education Committee, I know the importance of early childhood education, one of many issues Sandra has championed. Her future constituents will be lucky to have her be their voice in Sacramento.

    -Carol Liu

  • I’ve had the privilege of working with Sandra Fluke several times. I’m impressed with her expertise and eloquence. She is just the kind of advocate with a fresh perspective that we need in Sacramento. I’m confident Sandra will stand up for what is right to protect reproductive freedom, and she’ll be a strong voice as a leader from within a new generation of progressives. I’m proud to support her for election to the California Senate.

    -Sarah Weddington, Attorney who argued the Roe v. Wade case

  • I am pleased and delighted to endorse Sandra for the State Senate. Sandra and I have worked together on legislation to advance issues of gender equality and reproductive justice and as Vice Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, I am proud to offer her my support.

    -State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

  • I am proud to stand with Sandra Fluke in her bid for California State Senate. Sandra is a strong, hardworking, and dedicated individual with an impressive passion for public service. She is a strong role model and is the right choice to fight for equality and progress in Sacramento.

    -Jennifer Siebel Newsom

  • I am proud to stand with Sandra Fluke in her bid to serve in the California State Senate. Sandra has long been a fearless advocate for women’s rights especially those of women veterans. I am confident that she will, with unwavering courage and endless commitment, continue to serve all who have served our country.

    -Kristen Kavanaugh, Chair, CDP Veterans’ Caucus, Committee on Women Veterans

  • During my 2012 campaign, Sandra came to Rochester and stood with me. I got to know her and I was deeply impressed with her willingness to fight for what she believed in. She remains a champion for women’s health, and has spoken out this year in support of equal pay and access to contraception. She also speaks out for issues that don’t get as much coverage: human trafficking, skyrocketing student loan debt and workers’ rights. I’m proud to support Sandra’s run for State Senate.

    -U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Ranking Member on the House Rules Committee

  • Sandra Fluke is a fighter, and I know she will make a real difference in the lives of her constituents. Sandra is an incredibly effective champion for the issues that matter to Angelenos. I’m impressed by the work she’s done for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as her legislative advocacy for worker protections and access to education. I’m proud to endorse Sandra Fluke for State Senate.

    -Honorable Joy Picus, Former Los Angeles City Councilmember

  • I’m proud to endorse Sandra Fluke for State Senate. From our water crisis, to fracking, to the region’s significant transportation challenges – we need an environmental champion in the State Senate fighting every day to protect our communities, and Sandra is that champion. Sandra is a pragmatic and experienced leader who will be a strong advocate for the environment.

    -Nancy Sutley, Former Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality

  • As a veteran and survivor of sexual assault in the military, I have learned that real strength is the courage to stand up in the face of adversity regardless of how tall the challenge may seem. I support Sandra Fluke because she has the strength and dedication required to represent women and veterans and will ensure that veteran issues are a top priority when she goes to Sacramento.

    -Kate Weber, Mom, Veteran, Advocate, Survivor. 2013 Veteran of the year by the California Democratic Party and Woman Veteran Leader of the Year by Cal Vet

  • In 2012 when I was running for Congress, Sandra came and stood with me. I got to know her as we campaigned together, and I was incredibly impressed by her commitment to California and her willingness to fight for change. Sandra is definitely never one to back down from a challenge! I’m proud to stand with her now and I fully endorse her campaign for State Senate.

    -Congressman Scott Peters

  • I’m endorsing Sandra’s run for California State Senate. She represents a new generation of progressive leadership and she’ll be a fresh voice in government. I’m standing with Sandra and I hope you will, too.​

    -Congressman Joaquin Castro

  • I am so happy to endorse my friend, Sandra Fluke! Sandra has been a strong advocate for social justice and the LGBTQ community. Even before she was known on the national stage, she co-founded a statewide coalition that passed legislation to eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ people in family court, helping protect parents like mine. I know she’ll be a fighter for her constituents and she’ll bring to Sacramento a fresh perspective on progressive issues.

    -Zach Wahls, LGBTQ Rights Activist

  • I strongly admire Sandra’s public service on a number of issues and I am so excited for her to step forward and run for State Senate. Sandra Fluke will be an effective voice for her community and her generation.

    -Christine Pelosi, Chair, Women’s Caucus, California Democratic Party

Paid for by Stand with Sandra Fluke for State Senate 2014 FPPC ID # 1363476
PO Box 931, Agoura Hills, CA 91376

Built by eracity Media on NationBuilder