Attorney Bryan Caforio Thursday declared his intention to put California Republican Steve Knight out of a job.  

“Career politicians like Steve Knight are the problem with Washington, D.C.,” the Democratic challenger said in statement announcing his campaign .  

Per the email blast, the political newcomer — Caforio is a trial lawyer with Susman Godfrey L.L.P. — has already raised $50,000 in contributions and is looking forward to staking out his positions. “I’m running for Congress because it’s time to build an economy that works for everyone, and not just the wealthy few,” the native Southern Californian shared, ticking off education, jobs and Social Security as his top priorities.  

GOP operatives billed Caforio’s bid as a desperation move.  

“National Democrats were so unimpressed with their current candidates that they had no choice but to carpetbag a Beverly Hills lawyer into town. Caforio may think he’s the cool kid from 90210, but 25th District voters won’t fall for his new-kid-in-town act,” National Republican Congressional Committee aide Zach Hunter said in an official statement.  

Lou Vince, a Marine and veteran police officer endorsed by Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and entrepreneur Maria Gutzeit are the other Democrats vying for the seat.  

Knight, whose constituents sided with Mitt Romney by a 2-point margin in 2012 but gave President Barack Obama a 1-point edge in 2008, is being targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in a new round of radio ads attacking Republicans on domestic terrorism and gun control.  

“Vulnerable Republican Steve Knight’s refusal to act and ensure suspected terrorists can’t legally buy guns is reckless and downright dangerous,” DCCC aide Barb Solish said of a 15-second spot calling for action on a proposal by Rep. Peter T. King, R-N.Y., that would allow Attorney General Loretta Lynch to unilaterally block those on government watch lists from getting a hold of firearms or explosives.  

The DCCC ads are scheduled to air through the weekend in markets inhabited by Knight and fellow Republicans Mike Coffman of Colorado, Barbara Comstock of Virginia, Cresent Hardy of Nevada, Carlos Curbelo of Florida, Robert J. Dold of Illinois, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Martha McSally of Arizona, John L. Mica of Florida and Lee Zeldin of New York.  

The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report /Roll Call rates Knight’s race Leans Republican .  

Related:

Candidate’s Gun Giveaway Gets Mixed Reactions from California Republicans


DCCC Targets 18 House Republicans in Labor Day Digital Campaign


Roll Call Race Ratings Map: Ratings for Every House and Senate Race in 2016


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