Publisher’s note: This editorial is from the May 9, 2012, Sacramento Bee.

The newly created 1st Assembly District sprawls across the northeast corner of the state, stretching from north Lake Tahoe to Yreka and including the cities of Susanville and Redding.

Nominally, this is GOP territory – with nearly 44 percent of voters registered Republican and 30 percent registered Democratic. Yet nearly 20 percent of voters are “decline to state,” meaning this open seat is somewhat in play.

Of the five candidates in the race, three have filed ballot statements and are actively campaigning.

Voters seeking a conservative have their choice of two affable elected officials – Lassen County Supervisor Brian Dahle and Redding City Councilman Rick Bosetti.

Dahle, a farmer who co-owns a seed company and nursery with his wife, is supported by agriculture interests, including the California Farm Bureau.

Bosetti, a retired major league baseball player, is supported by timber and real estate interests, the latter of which has recently helped finance a $115,000 independent expenditure campaign on his behalf.

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