CA-Sen: Houston, We Have A Wingnut

Despite the expected post-election lull, there is actually a lot of intrigue over various open seats and 2010 prospects happening right now. Mark Ridley-Thomas' vacant State Senate seat will draw an election, likely in March, and potential gubernatorial candidates are jockeying for position (much more on that in the weeks to come). But there's also the matter of the 2010 Senate race against Barbara Boxer. The ongoing rumor was that Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is termed out in 2010, might go after this seat. However, being a complete failure as Governor has dampened that speculation somewhat. So into the breach has stepped... Chuck DeVore?

Republican Assemblyman Chuck DeVore will announce Wednesday that he will run for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat in 2010.

DeVore, R-Irvine, is declaring his candidacy just one week after winning his third and final term in the 70th Assembly District, representing Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and other portions of Orange County.

DeVore has scheduled an Internet news conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday to make the announcement. He confirmed his intention Tuesday in a phone conversation with Capitol Alert.

Now, Chuck DeVore is, frankly, crazy, and there's blogospheric evidence to back up that opinion. I don't think I have to cite much more than his opposition to marriage equality because it would embolden NAMBLA.

DeVore, well-liked by hard-right conservatives, is a down-the-line Yacht Party regular, in a state where the last statewide election favored the Democrat by 24 points. The lesson learned by Republicans, I guess, is to "go boldly in the direction of the insane." I'll say this - it will be an entertaining race.