Gilchrist deprived of victory by early absentee balloting
Comes in 1st on election-day ballots
December 8, 2005
RenewAmerica staff
With all votes counted, Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist came in first on election day- -but lost his bid for Congress due to heavy absentee balloting cast weeks before Tuesday's special election in Orange County, CA.
Gilchrist received the highest percentage of ballots cast on Tuesday- -35.3%- -compared to Democrat candidate Steve Young's 32.2% and Republican John Campbell's 30.3%. However, most voters took advantage of California's early mail-in provision, and cast their ballots before campaigning was finished.
Had most voters waited until the end of the electioneering process before voting, the results suggest, Gilchrist would likely be the new Congressman from California's District 48.
Those who voted early (nearly 63%) missed out on much of Gilchrist's message, which revolved around a multitude of problems stemming from illegal immigration. His election-eve endorsement by the nation's 10,000-member Border Patrol union, and an all-out media blitz aided by $600,000 in contributions, propelled him to the forefront among election-day voters.
Campbell, who actually lost support since the Oct. 4 primary, came in first, followed by Young and Gilchrist. The final tally was Campbell 44.7%, Young 28.0%, and Gilchrist 25.1%.
For an Independent, Gilchrist still sent a clear message to the GOP establishment in heavily-Republican Orange County. Pundits predicted that if Gilchrist got anywhere near 20 to 25 percent, he would establish border security as the new hot-button issue in electoral politics- -with potential to influence numerous 2006 contests nationwide.
Gilchrist's remarkable percentage eclipsed the historic showing by another Independent- -Ross Perot- -in the 1992 presidential election. In that election, Perot drew just under 19%, opening the way for the election of Bill Clinton.
For more information on the results of Tuesday's election, visit www.JimGilchrist.com.
See also:
RenewAmerica staff
With all votes counted, Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist came in first on election dayGilchrist received the highest percentage of ballots cast on Tuesday
Had most voters waited until the end of the electioneering process before voting, the results suggest, Gilchrist would likely be the new Congressman from California's District 48.
Those who voted early (nearly 63%) missed out on much of Gilchrist's message, which revolved around a multitude of problems stemming from illegal immigration. His election-eve endorsement by the nation's 10,000-member Border Patrol union, and an all-out media blitz aided by $600,000 in contributions, propelled him to the forefront among election-day voters.
Campbell, who actually lost support since the Oct. 4 primary, came in first, followed by Young and Gilchrist. The final tally was Campbell 44.7%, Young 28.0%, and Gilchrist 25.1%.
For an Independent, Gilchrist still sent a clear message to the GOP establishment in heavily-Republican Orange County. Pundits predicted that if Gilchrist got anywhere near 20 to 25 percent, he would establish border security as the new hot-button issue in electoral politics
Gilchrist's remarkable percentage eclipsed the historic showing by another Independent
For more information on the results of Tuesday's election, visit www.JimGilchrist.com.
See also:
- Video: Jim Gilchrist on "Lou Dobbs Tonight"
- Audio: Jim Gilchrist and Tom Tancredo discuss the election on KFI's John & Ken Show
- Issue of illegal immigration divides Republicans heading into `06 elections (Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- Jim Gilchrist’s victory party remarks
- Election results -- Jim Gilchrist outdoes rivals on election day!