GOP voters side with Rohrabacher

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is headed back to the general election this fall, after easily defending his nomination in the 46th Congressional District this week, crushing dark horse challenger Ron St. John.

In an election with no statewide candidates and sparse turnout, Rohrabacher trounced St. John by 25,905 (87.4%) to 3,729 (12.6%), respectively, in the final count.

St. John said he wasn’t disappointed by the result; rather, he said he was glad he had the chance to communicate his views.

“My goal is not so much about winning a particular election as it is about trying to get the message across,” he said. “It’s the message of free trade and the value that immigration brings to our country. It’s still a campaign I feel I am a part of in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the Republican party and in general.”

Despite his differences with Rohrabacher on immigration, St. John said he would be glad to support him in the fall.

Republican voters coming out of polls overwhelmingly said they favored the two-decade Congressman, though their reasons varied. All said Rohrabacher’s positions and record were far more familiar to them than that of upstart St. John, a Huntington Beach property rights lawyer who took a softer line on immigration issues than Rohrabacher.

Huntington Beach resident Steve Magro said that while he wasn’t fully thrilled with Rohrabacher, the incumbent hadn’t done anything to merit a repudiation.

St. John, on the other hand, hadn’t attracted enough attention to make him feel comfortable.

“He ain’t done anything bad,” he said. “Not that I find him that impressive. As for this St. John character, I never saw a piece of mail, never heard any advertisement.

“If you don’t care about the nomination, why should I vote for you?”

Some had warmer words for Rohrabacher, saying they preferred his positions.

“He supports our troops, and I like his straight talk,” resident Tracy Smithson said. “Of course I want him back.”

Asked about St. John, she replied, “Who is that guy, anyway?”

For full election results, click here.