ELECTION 2014: Dan Schnur, a veteran Republican who dropped his party preference three years ago, has worked for years behind the scenes for elected officials as a communications expert and political strategist. But now he wants to be an elected official himself: He is in a crowded field of contenders for secretary of state. The top two vote-getters will confront each other in the November general election.
Jim Brulte, who served as GOP leader in both the Assembly and Senate, heads the California Republican Party – not exactly a dream job in a state dominated by Democrats. Exactly a year into his new gig, Brulte faces a basic problem: Can he put Republicans on the road to a political comeback? It’s a long, difficult journey back and the challenges are daunting.
Nearly three out of every four Californians are registered to vote, an increase of nearly 751,000 since 2010 and a reflection of the growing number of voters who decline to state a party preference. The major parties experienced declines in registration. Of California’s 24 million eligible voters, about 17.7 million actually have registered, or about 73.41 percent, according to the secretary of state’s office. The figures reflect registration through Dec. 31, 2013.