OC Register: Gilchrist keeps options open; state seat sized up

Monday, December 26, 2005

Gilchrist keeps options open; state seat sized up

By MARTIN WISCKOL

Look for Jim Gilchrist, the anti-illegal immigration activist, to be back on the campaign trail in 2006.

"I'm still in the ring," said the Aliso Viejo resident, who made the county's most noteworthy political debut of 2005. "I'm getting ready for round two. We're weighing our options."

The most fascinating of those options appears to be a run for governor. By winning 25 percent of the vote in the Dec. 6 special congressional election, Gilchrist showed that his message has significant resonance among voters - especially Republican-leaning voters. That could cause problems for Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election bid. Gilchrist, who belongs to the American Independent Party, would be a long shot to win but could be a spoiler for the incumbent and attract more attention to Gilchrist's concerns with illegal immigration.

Other possibilities would be a state legislative race or another congressional bid. He said he and his staff expect to make a decision in mid-January.


http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/article_915366.php