AD73 Watch: Cassie DeYoung - Will She Or Won't She?

Rumors of an possible Cassie DeYoung candidacy in the 73rd Assembly District next year are on the upswing. Several knowledgeable sources I've spoken with say she's been talking to consultants about the possibility of challenging Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey, who thus far is the only candidate -- announced or unannounced -- in the AD73 Republican primary.

As readers remember, DeYoung spent a record $3.75 million on her ferocious-but-losing Supervisor campaign last year against now-Supervisor Pat Bates. It's too bad campaign consultants don't offer frequent flier mile-type programs, because DeYoung would probably have earned a free Assembly campaign from Forde and Mollrich.

Personally, I think jumping to another free-spending campaign against another well-funded front-runner immediately after losing a bitter supervisor campaign would be a huge mistake for DeYoung -- especially when I'll wager most 5th SD voters' recollection of DeYoung is the lady who sent them an obnoxious volume of mail.  To turn around and run for Assembly would strike voters of a desperation to be elected to something, anything.

Term limits make it easier for candidates to take a pass and wait for a better opportunity six years down the line. DeYoung would be better served spending the next six year allowing her negatives to subside and giving GOP primary voters the opportunity to forget about Cassie's lurch to the left in the supervisor race. She could toil in the vineyards, do good Republican works and generally spend the next few years re-inventing herself.

We'll see if ambition wins out over the long view as Cassie explores an Assembly run.

Comments

[Andy Favor]

I was all set to run for this seat. However, after spending the day with Jose Pinera I am considering running for congress so that I can champion private social security accounts. I cannot express in words what an amazing individual Mr. Pinera is. He will be speaking this evening at the Villa Nova and I encourage everyone to come out. The insolvency of the Social Security System could be the biggest issue facing our nation and Jose's solution to the crisis is inspiring.

[Jubal]

I wish I could make it this evening. This is one of the issues dearest to my political and personal heart, and a front in thw war of ideas where the GOP can still go on the offensive against a Democratic Party that is purely reactionary on this issue.

[Silence Dogood]

Cassie would be making a monumental mistake jumping into this race, but I wouldn't put it past the likes of Gilliard et al. to recruit an opponent simply to drive up the consulting fees on Harkey.

Here's hoping that doesn't come to pass.

[Karl Rove]

This would make for an interesting cat fight.

[Long-time politico]

I am not a supporter of your idea of offering 'frequent user points' to candidates; it would just encourage them.

and as to the inevitable litigation that would come with a de Young v Harkey campaign, the question is, which side has retained schroeder and which side has retained greer