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California, the most populous state in the US, is watched for its stance on controversial topics as an indication of which way national opinion will go. But races for congressional and state legislative seats rarely even garner the attention of locals. There are 53 Congressional districts in California, 80 State Assembly and 40 State Senate districts. Aside from the big races for Governor and US Senate, many smaller offices are up for grabs on November 2nd. In Orange County, Progressive Democrat Melissa Fox is running against Don Wagner, a Republican who is being called the “Invisible Man” for making virtually no effort to campaign after winning the primary. In Northern California’s Folsom area, the State Assembly seat in District 5 will be filled by one of two newcomers, Dr. Pan Richard or Andy Pugno. Pugno is a Republican who spearheaded the effort behind what became Prop.8, the 2008 ballot initiative that successfully banned same-sex marriages in California. The Palm Springs 45th Congressional District race between Republican Incumbent Mary Bono Mack, Sonny Bono’s widow, and the current Mayor and Democrat, Steve Pougnet. Bono-Mack has the lead. She is endorsed by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, while Pougnet gained the backing of current Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.
Here to talk about the races to watch is Robert Cruickshank, Public Policy Director at Courage Campaign and Contributing editor to the progressive blog Calitics.com.

GUEST: Robert Cruickshank, Public Policy Director at Courage Campaign and Contributing editor to the progressive blog Calitics.com.

Cruickshank recommended the following during his interview:

Melissa Fox for California Assembly in the 70th district
Dr. Ami Bera for Congress in the 3rd district
Kamala Harris for Attorney General
A no vote on retention of Ming Chin for Associate Justice to the California Supreme Court
A yes vote on retention of Carlos Moreno for Associate Justice to the California Supreme Court