There's an interesting special election today in California for a California Senate seat made vacant when incumbent Abel Maldonado was appointed Lieutenant Governor. Turnout is expected to be under 20% since the election follows on the heels of the primary elections held only two weeks ago.  The registration advantage in the district has switched to the Democrats since Republican Maldonado was elected in 2004.

What makes this election noteworthy is the former occupation of Sam Blakeslee, currently a Republican Assemblyman. Blakeslee was an employee of Exxon and a big supporter of offshore oil drilling.  His Democratic opponent, Assemblyman John Laird, has managed to put the issue front and center.

On the one hand, California is desperate for cash, some of which might be extracted from the oil companies.  On the other hand, California has beaches that Californians seem to love.  Will voters come out of the water long enough to vote against oil?

Tags: oil spill, California, special election, California Senate, campaign issues