This is Episode 150 a Special Corona Virus edition with the Democratic candidate for the 25th Congressional District Special Election and General Election race, California Assemblymember Christy Smith.As an Assemblymember Christy Smith represents the 38th District. Now, she is running to represent a larger population in the 25th Congressional race with hopes of replacing Katie Hill. This is an extremely interesting race to watch. Christy is not as progressive as Katie Hill. Ironically though, Katie Hill ran a campaign using the color purple to emphasize that she would listen to both her blue and red constituents. This is actually a better description of Christy Smith.Smith is known for carefully considering several different aspects of a bill before voting for it. She pays attention to the facts before she makes a decision, and she doesn’t necessarily think about whether that decision is blue or red. She even received flack from several progressives for not being “progressive enough.” Whether that’s true or not is completely relative on who you are. Smith is a Democrat and believes in Democratic ideas and principles and, she has a proven track record of getting things done in Sacramento. She has gotten (I believe the number is) 12 bills signed into law in less than two years serving in the Assembly. What’s interesting about this race though is the contrast between Smith and her Republican opponent Mike Garcia and how the district feels about each of them and what they represent. This district as of right now has more registered Democrats than Republicans but the amount of “declined to state party preference” voters is large in this district. So, with that in mind, it’s anybody’s game. But Mike Garcia has been running a race loyal to conservatives, Republicans and Donald Trump although Trump lost the 25th district in 2016 and I think it’s safe to say part of Katie Hill’s success was based on a lot of anti-Trump sentiment which already existed in the 25th. Conversely, Christy Smith has been running a very traditional Democratic campaign almost to a cookie cutter level which has created some criticism toward her for not standing out as a candidate. Who will win? You tell me. Do you know a lot of people who have changed their opinion about Trump? Do you think that the majority of “decline to state” voters lean left or lean right? How many Democrats do you know who vote regularly? Do you know more that are Republicans? Do you think people vote party preference or on the person that is running? And who in the world is responsible for Bruce Springsteen giving up Twinkies? All I can say at this point is remember, there are two elections. The first is a vote by mail this May to decide which candidate will finish out Katie Hill’s term and then another one in November to determine who will represent the 25th District for the next Congressional term. It’s up to you to decide so please remember to vote. As far as which way the election will go, I’m still trying to work on answering the Twinkie question. One last thing, as of April 6th, Mike Garcia has consented to do another appearance on the Talk of Santa Clarita next week. Barring a major life event, I will do everything I can to put it up as fast as possibleClick on the link below to see a video version of the podcast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-6uFhK3JUk