For months, the Senate GOP leadership has been trying to recruit a Republican candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. Lou Correa for re-election. Correa famously broke his 2006 "no new taxes" pledge by providing the passing vote this spring to impose the largest tax increase in California history.

The prime target of those recruitment efforts was Sup. Janet Nguyen, who would have a "free ride" to take Correa. Polling showed she would make a strong challenger to Correa, but Nguyen ultimately declined. I don't imagine the thought of another year of non-stop campaigning held much appeal.

Quang X. Pham was also approached, but rather than a clear shot at the Senate seat he has opted for an underdog primary battle with Assemblyman Van Tran in the 47th Congressional District.

The anointed candidate appears to be Sue Perez, who yesterday signed ace consultant Dave Gilliard to run her campaign. I don't know too much about her yet other than she live sin Anaheim and has been the host for several years of a public affairs program on Trinity Broadcasting Network.