Left to Right: Gary Livacari, Mark Harris, Emily Karrs, Katherine Halvorson, John McCormack, Alex

This was taken in the “war room” on election night

Both Republicans and Democrats will claim victory in the California Congressional race to replace Duke Cunningham who now sits in jail on corruption charges.

Republican Brian Bilbray beat Democrat Francine Busby after an combative and expensive race that centered on issues of government corruption and illegal immigration. With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Bilbray had 56,016 votes or 49.5 percent, the Associated Press reported, and Busby trailed with 51,202 votes or 45 percent.

Who can claim this as a victory? Both parties will try but Democrats don’t have much of a leg to stand on. President Bush carried the district with 55% of the vote in 2004. Not exactly the overwhelmingly Republican district the Left and the media would have you believe. But what ultimately turned the tide is Francine Busby’s stupid comment to a group of illegals that they did not need any papers to vote. The Democratic stance on illegal immigration will hurt them in November, despite the ineptness of Republicans in Washington. The American people are quite clear on this issue. Close the damn border.

Interesting is that this special election is only for a 6 month term that ends in November where Billbray will once again face off with Busby.

Results are coming in in the California special election to replace Duke Cunningham. Looks like the Republican candidate Brian Bilbray is in the lead over Francine “You Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Papers” Busby. The GOP has spent $4.5 million on this race. Good work if you can get it. Stay classy, San Diego.