SACRAMENTO— Political commentator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton said the electoral advantage of the forces that have dominated California politics has shrunk to a mere eight points and is continuing to decline, reflecting growing discontent among the state's voters.
Hilton questioned what he called the "Sacramento machine," referring to the political structure that has maintained a strong influence over the state government for years. According to him, this structure has become overly confident in its traditional electoral advantage.
"Sacramento power got comfortable. Now its lead has shrunk to EIGHT," said Hilton, who is trying to present the upcoming elections as an opportunity to change the state's political course.
The Republican also maintained that Californians are increasingly dissatisfied with the high cost of living and called California "the most expensive state in the country." In his view, economic discontent could lead voters from different parties to consider political change.
Hilton called on voters to set aside partisan labels and support an alternative in the November elections. “No matter your party, you can vote for change!” he declared.
The true extent of that change will depend on voter preferences and how the campaigns unfold in the coming months, as both parties seek to mobilize an electorate increasingly attentive to the state's economic conditions. Voters continue to turn to the Republican option, hoping the state will emerge from its widespread disarray.
