Kashkari Already Taking Aim At Brown

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari isn’t wasting any time beginning the attack on California Governor Jerry Brown. Kashkari made it into the general election with19 percent of the vote in Tuesday's primary election. He and Brown will compete in November.

Kashkari has faced criticism that he doesn’t provide enough of a difference from Brown. But he says that’s not true.

“His California comeback is an economy ranked 47^th in jobs. So, I think when people focus in on the real differences between us, the differences are huge," he says. "He wants to protect the status quo. I want to transform the state. He wants to build the crazy train. I’ve told everyone I’m going to cancel the crazy train.” 

The “crazy train” Kashkari is talking about is the high speed rail project Brown is backing.

Kashkari also says he wants to re-energize the California Republican Party and he hopes his candidacy will help other Republicans candidates around the state. But he admits his race will be tough. Brown has a multi-million dollar campaign fund and won more than 54 percent of the primary vote.

Yet, Kashkari says a lack of jobs, wide-spread poverty and dismal education rankings should drive voters to him. And he’s asking them to give the Republican Party another look.

“Give us a chance. We want your family to have a good opportunity. We want your children to have a good education. And we want you to get a good job," he says. "Give us a chance. At the end of this campaign I want you to raise your hand and say, I am proud to vote Republican.”

Kashkari's primary victory over tea party Assemblyman Tim Donnelly came as a relief to the GOP establishment, which was concerned Donnelly’s conservative views would alienate voters and further diminish the state party. Republican voter registration in California is currently at 28 percent.