U.S. Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez made a campaign swing through the North State Friday, touring Shasta Dam, before meeting up with supporters in Paradise.
NSPR’s Marc Albert caught up with her at an event in Chico.
Sanchez, the 10-term Orange County congresswoman, is challenging State Attorney General Kamala Harris to succeed the retiring Barbara Boxer.
Both remaining candidates are Democrats — a fluke of the state’s recently adopted top-two primary system. The two emerged from a field of 34 candidates, including a dozen Republicans.
Sanchez is perceived as a long shot. Harris dwarfs Sanchez in money and endorsements. She also received twice as many votes in the June primary. While the policy distinctions between the two aren’t vast, there are stylistic differences.
Sanchez says she isn’t afraid to reach across the aisle, and that her experience and connections will help her get more done in Washington.
“I know the people, I know how to make laws, I know how to negotiate, I know what we’ve tried, I know where we failed, I know who was with us, I know who can be moved,” she said.
On her North State swing at least, Sanchez was running a frugal campaign. She drove herself to the venue — a non-descript taqueria — in a grey Kia four-door. A single staffer and a handful of local volunteers made up her entourage.
But while the Democratic Party establishment has largely lined up behind her opponent, Sanchez said she is better prepared than Harris.
“We need someone on day one who walks in and they are ready to go, not someone who’s going to do on the job training,” she said.