State Sen. Tom McClintock is expected to announce today that he will seek the Republican nomination for the 4th district seat being vacated by retiring Rep. John Doolittle (R).

McClintock currently represents a legislative district located in Southern California, adjacent to Rep. Elton Gallegly’s (R) 24th district.

But McClintock has lived in Northern California, near the state Capitol, for several years, and his high standing among California Republicans could make him an immediate frontrunner in the solidly conservative 4th district, which is situated just east of Sacramento.

According to Republican sources, a poll McClintock conducted to assess his chances in the district showed him with nearly 50 percent support in a GOP primary, compared with 12 percent for ex-Rep. Doug Ose (R) and 7 percent apiece for ex-state Sen. Rico Oller (R) and national security consultant Eric Egland (R).

The February poll surveyed 500 likely GOP primary voters and had a margin of error of 4.5 points.

Oller, who finished second in the 2004 3rd district GOP primary, and Ose, who retired from the 3rd district in 2004, currently are the only two high-profile candidates seeking the 4th district Republican nomination. Egland already has said he’ll drop out and support McClintock if the state Senator runs.

El Cajon Police Group Backs Hunter House Bid

Marine Reservist Duncan D. Hunter (R), running to replace his father in the 52nd district, has been endorsed by the El Cajon Police Officers’ Association.

Hunter’s father, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R), is retiring from the solidly conservative 52nd district after 14 terms. El Cajon is one of the larger cities in the 52nd district.

Also challenging for the east San Diego County seat in the June 3 Republican primary are Santee City Councilman Brian Jones and wealthy businessman and San Diego County Board of Education President Bob Watkins.

Democrats also have a contested primary, with retired Naval officer Mike Lumpkin currently the choice of establishment Democrats.
— David M. Drucker