Republicans ALREADY targeting Ami Bera, John Garamendi for 2014

Welcome back to the continuous campaign, where the fundraising and politicking never stops. That’s why the National Republican Congressional Committee
just rolled out their list of 40 targeted seats for 2014 — it’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas — and on it are Northern California Democratic Reps. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove and Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove.

Curiously not on the list is perennial target Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton. Yet.

Other Californians on the list, including some just-electeds who are still learning where the House bathrooms are, include: Reps. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, Raul Ruiz,D-Palm Desert, and Scott Peters, D-San Diego.

Likely-to-be (our new designation) California GOP Chair Jim Brulte told me several of those names were on his list of targeted seats as well.

The NRCC’s inspiration, however, lies in San Francisco, according to a memo sent Wednesday by Liesl Hickey, NRCC Executive Director:
“Republicans will continue the offensive strategy that again led to success in 2012, to keep Nancy Pelosi from ever being Speaker of the House again.”

Joe Garofoli