Voters in the redrawn 19th California Senate District extends from Palm Springs in the south up well beyond Baker and Barstow. Facing off in this contest are Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and Palm Springs Councilmember Lisa Middleton. While there is much to appreciate about both candidates, we give the nod to Ochoa Bogh. Elected four years ago as the first Latina Republican state senator in California history, Ochoa Bogh has been a reliable defender of taxpayer interests. She cites as her top priority, “Addressing the rising cost of living through reducing unnecessary regulations, promoting economic policies that benefit all Californians, and easing the financial strain on households.” As a former teacher, she argues that, “Instead of continually diluting educational standards, we should empower our students to rise to a higher level by providing diverse and research-backed curriculum options.” And on the public safety front, she argues that, “We must do a better job of addressing the behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse issues that are at the root of most criminal behavior.” We think that’s a reasonable, balanced set of ideas and policy priorities. Her challenger, Lisa Middleton, is, to be sure, a genuine moderate Democrat. She opposes rent control, supports Proposition 13, agrees it is time for reform of the California Environmental Quality Act to reduce abuses, is critical of the high-speed rail project and is among the growing number of Democrats supporting Proposition 36 to roll back portions of Proposition 47. While these all speak to Middleton’s moderate bonafides, these are also positions held by Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. We also note that on the critical issue of education, Middleton is lockstep with the California Teachers Association in being critical of charter schools and viewing more money as the solution to California’s K-12 education system woes. Related Articles Endorsements | Endorsement: No on Proposition 35. Let the Legislature figure out how to fund Medi-Cal. Endorsements | Endorsement: Yes on Proposition 34 to check the abuses of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Endorsements | Endorsement: No on Proposition 6. There’s nothing wrong with requiring prisoners to work. Endorsements | Endorsement: No on San Bernardino County Measure L Endorsements | Endorsement: Re-elect Jay Obernolte in the 23rd Congressional District Throwing more money into a K-12 system that consistently ranks at or near the bottom of the country on standardized tests and which fails to bring most students up to age-appropriate standards on English and math isn’t the solution. Middleton’s strongest argument for election to the state Senate is that, as a Democrat, she will be in the room when decisions are actually made in Sacramento. And, indeed, that’s a plausible argument. But here’s the problem: Does anyone think Middleton, backed by Big Labor and environmental groups, will actually really stand against the excesses of the supermajority? We didn’t hear enough from Middleton to think so and her strongest challenge to Ochoa Bogh is that Ochoa Bogh isn’t a supporter of abortion rights. But that’s a moot issue in California, where abortion has been legal since even before Roe vs. Wade and reproductive rights are now enshrined in the state constitution. Ultimately, we think taxpayers are better off with someone who will at least stand up to the failed supermajority. Re-elect Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh.