Next Tuesday’s (November 3, 2009) special election in the 10th Congressional District between California Lt.-Governor John Garamendi and Republican David Harmer, along with three other candidates, may boil down to the 18-point edge in registered voters the Democrats have in the district and Garamendi’s support for a public option in health care reform. The candidates are vying to replace Ellen Tauscher, who resigned earlier this year to take a post in the Obama Administration.

Garamendi has several advantages, besides the 18 point lead in registered voters. One is his name recognition from years of political service. Second, is money, as his campaign has raised more than $1,000,000 while the national Republican party is putting their effort and money into a House race in upstate New York, trying to hold a Republican seat.

According to the website Politco.com, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Republican National Committee have made the re-election of Dede Scozzafava a priority, as opposed to spending much time and money in the Bay Area.

However you look at the GOP’s actions, this district would be a challenge even in the best of times. Just two months ago in the primary, the Republican candidates received only 35% of the total vote (Garamendi alone received 26% of the total vote).

In early returns from absentee-ballots, Garamendi is ahead by more than 5,000 votes, according to Politico, with an about 25,000 Democratic and 19,000 Republican voters having already cast their ballots.