Steve Hilton's Debate Strategy: Targeting Gas Prices and Becerra's Record
With polls showing a significant deficit, Steve Hilton is advised to focus on Xavier Becerra's handling of gas prices and campaign finance during the upcoming CNN debate.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton faces a considerable polling deficit against Democrat Xavier Becerra but has an opportunity to make a significant impact during an upcoming CNN debate. Analysts suggest Hilton should prioritize attacks on gas prices and Becerra's record.
One key line of attack highlighted is the cost of gasoline in California. While Becerra and Governor Gavin Newsom have attributed rising prices to President Donald Trump and the Iran conflict, the argument is made that California drivers pay nearly $2 more per gallon than the national average, a disparity not solely attributable to federal actions. The article points to Becerra's past refusal to lower the state's gas tax, citing the need for road repairs, while suggesting that California's substantial budget renders this reason questionable and that funds are being misallocated, such as to high-speed rail projects. Furthermore, it is alleged that Becerra, as Attorney General, gave a misleading title to a ballot measure in 2018, hindering efforts to repeal a gas tax hike.
The strategy also suggests scrutinizing Becerra's campaign donations, particularly from Chevron. While accepting money from oil companies is not inherently problematic, it is argued that Becerra's stance on gas-powered cars, which differs from Governor Newsom's aggressive timeline for banning their sale, is inconsistent with his purported environmental principles. This perceived shift is linked to his acceptance of contributions from Chevron, raising questions about the independence of his policy positions.
Allegations of corruption are also central to the proposed strategy. Hilton is advised to raise questions about campaign finance practices, specifically an alleged scheme involving former aides taking money from Becerra's state campaign account to pay his chief of staff a side salary. The article contends that Becerra, as a former candidate joining the Biden administration, could not have been unaware of such arrangements and that his previous claims of not being a target of federal investigations are insufficient.
Concerns about Becerra's competence are also to be raised, referencing a report from The California Post. It is alleged that Susan Rice, former director of domestic policy in the Biden White House, criticized Becerra for arriving at meetings unprepared. Additionally, reports surfaced that Becerra allegedly made disparaging remarks about migrant children. While Becerra denies these claims, the article notes that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lost track of thousands of migrant children during his tenure, some of whom reportedly ended up in forced labor situations, a fact documented by The New York Times.
The effectiveness of these tactics is predicted to depend on Becerra's responses. However, the overarching recommendation for Hilton is to exhibit a determined and combative spirit during the debate. Beyond the gubernatorial race, Hilton is urged to encourage voter turnout for down-ballot races and ballot initiatives, emphasizing the importance of vigorous campaigning even in a challenging race.
