Democrat Raises Big Bucks in Case Rep. Honda Gets Administration Job
Veteran California Democratic Rep. Michael M. Honda has not been shy about his interest in an appointed position in the Obama administration. And though he has not received one yet, Democratic state Sen. Joe Simitian has sent a strong signal of interest in a potential campaign for Honda’s 15th District seat — by reporting $344,000 in receipts during the first quarter of 2009 for his recently established House campaign account.
Simitian, a political ally of the five-term congressman, says he has no intention of challenging the incumbent for the seat. But he wants to be ready in case Honda does get tapped by President Obama for an executive branch post and vacates the 15th District seat, which would prompt a special election.
“Mike Honda has my enthusiastic support for as long as he wants it,” Simitian told CQ Politics. “The funds were raised in anticipation of a possible special election in 2009.”
