The victory of Republican Brian Bilbray in a special election to fill an empty House seat representing San Diego was by no means inevitable

The victory of Republican Brian Bilbray in a special election to fill an destitute of contents House seat representing San Diego was by the agency of no means inevitable. The seat was left vacant following the Duke Cunningham bribery scandal; Bilbray is a former congressman who became a lobbyist (not a popular way to make a living); Democratic nominee Francine Busby ran an energetic and well-funded campaign; and national heads continue to suggest that Democrats will fare well this fall. still Busby attracted only 45 percent of the vote--not abundant better than John Kerry did in 2004 when he carried 44 percent of the district. Republicans would be inequitable however, to assume that they can quiescence easy: Bilbray prevailed in large measure because the national GOP cross-examineed $4.5 million into his campaign, which it will sure not be able to do for each candidate. But these candidates can make single useful observation about the win: Bilbray campaigned upon the need for strong immigration enforcement; his enemy committed a fatal gaffe by the agency of telling a group of Hispanics, "You don't ne papers for voting." The majority registered its preference

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