After Schwarzenegger's win, GOP shifts focus to ousting Boxer [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

After Schwarzenegger's win, GOP shifts focus to ousting Boxer

BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer Wednesday, November 12, 2003


(11-12) 22:58 PST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) --

Emboldened by their ability to oust a Democratic governor, California Republicans have set their sights on the next big prize -- the 2004 Senate race and the chance to unseat two-term liberal Sen. Barbara Boxer.

But while many Republicans would like nothing more than to topple Boxer, the magic formula of star power and GOP unity that recalled Gov. Gray Davis and elected Arnold Schwarzenegger has so far eluded Republicans in the Senate race. Just three little-known Republicans have announced their candidacy and top party strategists are hoping to persuade some bigger names.

"Barbara Boxer is America's worst senator. She's just a loud nuisance," said Jonathan Wilcox, a strategist for Republican Rep. Darrell Issa. "But her political skills are not inconsiderable, and anyone who thinks she'll go down without the fight of her life is wrong."

First elected to the Senate in 1992, Boxer's passionate support for liberal causes has made her a polarizing figure. Most recently, she was the Senate's most visible opponent of a bill to ban a procedure that critics call partial birth abortion. (snip/...)

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