ALEXANDRIA, VA – With less than three months until Election Day 2010, Republicans celebrated one of the most hard fought special elections – at any level – with the victory of Sam Blakeslee for California’s 15th Senate District. Blakeslee’s marks the 62nd state legislative special election victory for Republicans, nationwide, since President Barack Obama was elected.

“The Democrats pulled out all the stops in this race, but it proved that no amount of liberal spending and campaigning by President Obama can overcome the public’s discontent with liberal Democrat policies and voters’ preference for commonsense, conservative policies put forth by Republicans,” said RSLC President Scott Ward.

While Democrats hold a six-point voter registration advantage in the 15th District, Blakeslee topped Democrat John Laird 48 percent to 44 percent.  The race, which was the determining factor in whether Democrats would be 1 step closer to achieving a super-majority in the senate, became a preview of Democrat efforts, drawing millions of dollars spent by liberal interests and heavy involvement from President Barack Obama.

Blakeslee was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2004 to represent the 33rd Assembly District. He was re-elected by overwhelming margins in both 2006 and 2008.  During his time in office, Assemblyman Blakeslee has compiled an impressive record of bi-partisan legislative accomplishments, delivering meaningful achievements on issues such as job creation, government reform, renewable energy, agriculture, conservation, health care, public safety, disabled rights, consumer protection, and seismic safety.

Ward congratulated Blakeslee saying, “Sam Blakeslee fought against vicious attacks but proved that Republicans are benefiting from a growing wave heading into the November elections.  He ran an excellent campaign and we look forward to his leadership in the California Senate.”

The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders.  Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of attorney general, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and state legislator.  The RSLC consistently raises and spends an average of more than $20 million, per two-year cycle, from more than 80,000 donors and from all 50 states.  In February, the RSLC announced the creation of REDMAP which is on pace to raise record amounts dedicated to winning seats and legislative majorities that will critically impact redistricting in 2011.