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Podcasts Take Two
Inland Empire Republicans could tip the scale in the governor's race
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May 14, 2018
Listen • 8:28
Inland Empire Republicans could tip the scale in the governor's race
About 13 percent of California's GOP-registered voters reside in the IE, and they could provide the votes necessary to get one Republican candidate into the top two.
“There is a genuine need for more housing across much of California, and nowhere is the severity of the situation more apparent than in the Inland Empire," said Robert Kleinhenz, executive director of research at the Center for Economic Forecasting and Development.
“There is a genuine need for more housing across much of California, and nowhere is the severity of the situation more apparent than in the Inland Empire," said Robert Kleinhenz, executive director of research at the Center for Economic Forecasting and Development.
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Photo by Adityo Sastromuljono via Flickr Creative Commons
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About 13 percent of California's GOP-registered voters reside in the IE, and they could provide the votes necessary to get one Republican candidate into the top two.

The California Primary is just about three weeks away, and that means it's crunch time — especially for Republican hopefuls in the governor's race.  

The state's top-two primary advances those with the most votes, regardless of party. So, as Republican registration continues to ebb, candidates must go where conservatives are — like the Inland Empire. That's where you'll find about 13 percent of California's GOP-registered voters.

Reporter Jeff Horseman says that Republican efforts to repeal the gas tax could resonate with voters. 



I think what it's going to take to get Republicans out here is kinda what the strategy is statewide for the GOP, which is to focus on the gas tax. That really could resonate in the Inland Empire because we have quite a few people who drive to Orange County, LA County, San Diego County for work. They're filling up their gas tanks multiple times a week. 

(Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.)