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From the beginning, the race in California was looked at by insiders and outsiders alike, as a joke. Though the potential implications the race for the governorship could have posed on the citizens of the most populace state in the US could have been huge. The race also could have raised large implications for the 54 votes California possesses in the Electoral College. ... Unlike neighboring states, this race appears to have been won before it even began. In this research paper, I hope to emphasize 5 strategic points highlighted by this election including, California’s political culture, its interests groups and their influence, the political parties, the make-up of the voter base in California, and their voting patterns. Based upon these points, one will be able to gain a better understanding of the state of California and understands what drives them to the polls.
Running almost down the middle of California, the Sierra Nevada mountain range divides the state into two distinct cultures. ... This data also shows that Latinos constitute 1/3 the total population of California at a little over 10 million. Over recent elections, this has dramatically affected the outcome of various California elections; Most notably, the previous governor’s election. ... In doing so, he became the first Democrat governor of California since Jerry Brown was elected in 1975. ... governor. ... Of California’s past 20 governors, 16 of them have been Republicans. ... governor. ... gov) Times have changed since California’s first governor, Peter Burnett was elected. ...
This concept showed itself in every 19th century governor’s election in California. ... org) They were able to do this despite California becoming the most populace state, having the largest percentile of minorities, and having a majority registered Democrat voter base. ... Due to the population in these regions, Davis could win the focal 5 and lose every other part of California and still win the election. ... In an almost 3 to 1 count, Simon lost not because he did not win California, but because he was unable to overcome the populace in the Democratic strongholds along the coast. Following the election, many observers on CNN spoke of how the California was a coastal victory.
One of the first things I noticed while investigating the governor’s race in California was the lack of major interest groups in this race. Historically, California has been dubbed by some to be the land of interest groups. No matter how strange or bizarre your interest, in the state of California, there is a group you can join and be a part. The only reason I could come up with to explain this unusual situation was the fact that this race was so “ugly” and interest groups did not want to associate themselves with either candidate.
Dating back to the days when California was experiencing a “Gold Rush”, Californians reveled in the fact that they were never alone. ... com) This occurred many times throughout California history. ...
Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is one of the largest and broadest of the interest groups located in California. ... Since its inception in the state of California, 91% of its candidates for statewide offices, Congress, and the state legislature have been elected to office. ... As a point of information, Davis was endorsed by the Sierra Club, and continued their streak of 11 straight governors they supported winning their race. ... It was common knowledge that Bill Gates donated 5 million dollars to Davis’ last governor’s race. ...
A curious fact about political parties in the state of California is the little if any importance they play in shaping politics. ... For the most part, California has historically been dominated by the republican party. ...
It was during this time that two things took place that will forever change the political landscape in the state of California. ... This was the first time such an event had taken place in California history. ... org) Moreover, despite the few setbacks in candidate success for governor, the republicans were able to maintain a decisive lead over the split Democratic Party until the early sixties.
For obvious reason the Civil Rights Act changed the political landscape of California dramatically. ... According to the Secretary of State of California, there are a little over 6. ... (Political Parties in California, Adams)
Trends affecting the party-in-the-electorate include the developing coalition between the NAACP and the Latinos, Hollywood and its influence on the elections, and the surprisingly partnership between the Sierra Club and Silicon Valley.
Approximate Word count = 3638
Approximate Pages = 14.6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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