Senate election: Chance to make a real choice

We have to assume that what Newport-Mesa is experiencing when it comes to the race to replace former state Senator -- now U.S. representative -- John Campbell, is the calm before the storm.

The race, which like most others in the community is only a matter of which Republican wins, features two GOPers from decidedly different parts of the party.

Huntington Beach Assemblyman Tom Harman is a centrist Republican, one who has championed environmental causes during his time in Sacramento. Dana Point City Councilwoman Diane Harkey is a much newer name in political circles, but by dint of her more conservative leanings, she has gathered behind her county party leaders and has a long list of political endorsements.

As she has been doing this early campaigning -- if work three months prior to the special primary election that will decide who takes the seat can be called early -- Harman has been relatively quiet.

“I think voters are not focused on it [the Senate race] right now,” Harman told the Pilot. “Everybody’s talking about the governor’s budget and his infrastructure plan and things like that.”

We hope that soon the voters will turn their attention to this important election, one that suffers from being at the tail end of a series of special elections. Not only is it for a state Senate seat, but with two such different candidates, there’s a real choice to be made -- an unusual luxury in GOP-dominated coastal Orange County. Voters would do well to look at the two candidates long and hard and decide which more closely mirrors their own beliefs.

In an election with two strong candidates, there is the fear that the debate will focus far more on meaningless mudslinging that on substantive differences of opinion. We urge both candidates -- and their campaign staffs and backers -- to provide their constituents a helpful and above-board race. Tell voters what you believe on the issues, whether it be the environment or illegal immigration, handling of the state budget or handling of healthcare.

And may the best politician win.