Emken, who trails Feinstein by nearly 20 points in a recent poll, said Monday she was excited to have Nehring join the campaign. “Ron is a skilled strategist who understands the complex political environment in every part of our state, as well as the national dynamics that impact this race,” she said. “We’re going to offer voters a real alternative to the failed status quo in California, and we’re assembling a first-class team to get it done.”
Emken promptly challenged her opponent to a series of debates, which Feinstein’s campaign swiftly declined.
The Republican sent a letter urging Feinstein to participate in debates across the state focusing on regional issues, including national security in San Diego. Others would center on education in Los Angeles, water issues in the Central Valley and energy along the Central Coast.
Emken, who secured a second-place finish in the 24-candidate primary June 5, faces an uphill climb in the November contest, Nehring acknowledged in a conference call with reporters on Monday. Still, he said the campaign was “thrilled” with the results of a Field Poll last week showing Feinstein besting Emken by 19 points, 51 percent to 32 percent among likely voters.
“We’ve said all along that Dianne Feinstein is far weaker than the conventional wisdom has held,” said Nehring, pointing to Democrats’ 14-point registration advantage. “Dianne Feinstein barely breaks 50 percent against an almost-unknown Republican challenger who is making her first statewide run for office.”
Elizabeth Emken
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