The mean-spirited race for the 52nd Congressional District is symbolic of the political trend taking place across the state, driven by new-look redistricting, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray is being challenged by Democrat Scott Peters for the seat, which represents La Jolla, Coronado, Poway and other parts of San Diego including a part of Carmel Valley.
The state's shift to having a bipartisan commission redraw district lines, rather than leaving the job to state legislators, has led to more competitive races, the report said.
That in turn is attracting more national money to campaigns as Democrats and Republicans see chances to win new seats for their respective parties.
One observer told the paper the Bilbray-Peters race is what happens when one side sees the chance “to destroy the opponent.”
For more, see the Los Angeles Times.