Murphy for 71st Assembly District ??

The widely popular OC BLOG, which I understand most of the Orange Politicos read, broke this interesting story earlier.....

71st Assembly District Watch: Neil Blais Gearing Up

I ran into Rancho Santa Margarita Councilman Neil Blais at today's OC Public Affairs Association luncheon, and asked him if he was running for the 7ist Assembly District in 2008 -- when incumbent Todd Spitzer is termed out.

"I'm definitely running," he replied. In fact, he's about to ink a contract with JohnsonClark Associates to be his campaign consultants and plans to start fundraising.

JCA is a top-flight consulting firm with a strong win record in Orange County. Hiring them sends a strong message to the political and donor community that Blais is a serious candidate for this seat.

I understand long-time Orange Councilman Mark Murphy also plans to run for the seat. Orange used to be the anchor for this Assembly District, but was carved up the between three Assembly Districts in the last re-districting.

I'm not sure what percentage of the AD71 is comprised of Orange, but Murphy is very popular in the city and would be a strong candidate. Former Sen. John Lewis -- who represented much of the district for 20 years in the Assembly and Senate -- has run all of Mark Murphy's council and mayoral campaigns and presumably will run his Assembly effort.

Corona Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Miller is also taking a hard look at the race. I believe about 40% of AD71 is in Riverside County. Miller would be in an advantageous position if several candidates carve up the OC vote and he is the sole Riverside County candidate.

I know there are some other OC candidates looking at this race, but their names escape me at the moment.

I also read the comments and saw there was another name of Ledesma, at 1st thought it was our OUSD Board member, however it was a Mission Viejo Councilman.

Also, I have some thoughts on others that may run for that seat.... how about Carolyn Caveeche, the current mayor of orange.