Republican leader said McCain could push CA races

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The head of one of California's largest conservative volunteer groups said there's hope that a tight presidential race could help in some closely contested legislative races in the state this fall.

Mike Spence, president of the California Republican Assembly and a delegate to the Republican National Convention, said strong Democratic fundraising will present a challenge in close races. U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) doing well in California would help on the other side, Spence said.

"We hope to hold some seats," Spence said, adding that he doesn't believe Democrats who think there are competitive races in some congressional districts other than the 11th, where U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) is trying to hold onto the seat he captured from Republican Richard Pombo in 2006.

State Republicans are also looking for a boost down the road if voters give the OK to Proposition 11, which would create a new system for creating political districts after the 2010 U.S. Census, Spence said.

When a panel of judges handled reapportionment after the 1990 U.S. Census, he pointed out, Republicans briefly gained control of the California Assembly and Senate.

"Proposition 11 isn't perfect, but it's a step in the right direction," he said. The California Republican Assembly has endorsed the measure, he said.

The state delegation is missing a few members this week because state legislators had to remain in California because the budget isn't finished.

While that's unfortunate for those politicians looking to make connections, Spence said he understood.

"This is a good environment to be in," he said. "But the budget, obviously they've got to deal with that situation."