CA-36: Ruiz (D) internal shows him ahead by six over MBM

[DrScholl]

Valadao's opponent had no money at all and no name ID, so the margin this year more indicative of recruitment failure the part of the Democrats. If Dean Florez or Michael Rubio run next time, they could defeat him with good resources. Democrats picked up Valadao's Assembly seat that almost corresponds to the congressional district, so the area is winnable for Democrats. It will be a top target in 2014, not a guaranteed gain, but a prime opportunity.

[DrScholl]

The registration numbers in CA-36 changed from a two point Republican advantage when the maps were first released, to a very narrow Democratic advantage by the time election day rolled around. The state democratic party created a powerful ground game in Riverside County from nothing and that brought out a lot more Hispanic voters. Plus, Bono Mack's attacks on Ruiz in the last month probably didn't help her crossover support, as preliminary results show that Ruiz crushed in Palm Springs. Obama also appears to have done a few points better in Palm Springs, as well as Coachella and Indio, while not losing much ground in other areas. The precinct maps for the congressional and presidential races are at these links

http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/jim-miller-headlines/20121109-2012-election-obamas-support-dropped-in-inland-area.ece

http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/jeff-horseman-headlines/20121109-election-2012-ruiz-takes-seat-bono-mack-concedes.ece

Zoom in for better detail, it gives percentages for each precinct.