By Nathan Baca
News Channel 3
A split in the Coachella Valley's Republican Party may be at hand following a major endorsement by the area's state senator.
State Senator Jim Battin endorsed Russ Bogh of Beaumont to be his successor instead of Assemblyman John Benoit.
This sets the stage for a heated battle for the senate as the party's primary vote comes this June.
"If Republicans want a conservative leader in the State Senate, the Republicans should vote for Russ Bogh," said State Senator Battin.
Battin is termed out of office this year. He has set up a campaign account for a possible run in 2010 to become Lieutenant Governor.
His endorsement of Russ Bogh for the State Senate seat could be seen as a slap in the face of his next door neighbor, Assemblyman John Benoit.
Battin said, "I don't want somebody there that's willing to go along and get along just to get donors or just to be part of the in-crowd in Sacramento.
"Sometimes, to do the right thing, you have to do the thing which is not as popular which is voting no, standing out your principle and making sure we don't get in the budget mess we have.
"I've looked at Russ [Bogh]'s record and I've looked at John [Benoit]'s record and I think that Russ is better in that regard."
Benoit responded to St. Sen. Battin's comment saying, "His motives are - I can't explain. He endorsed me and supported me for the State Assembly five years ago. Something's changed in his mind.
"The Prop 93 debate, where he wanted to extend his term through the term limits -- I was out in front opposing that as being a ‘self-serving initiative.' That may have something to do with this announcement, just days later."
Bogh attacked Benoit on issues held dear to Republican voters including the car tax and law and order concerns.
"The 2003 budget in particular had early release of prisoners," Bogh says. "It's something that Benoit voted for and I voted against that."
Benoit is not willing to let Bogh outflank him on the right without a fight.
"We were facing a $20 billion deficit. We reduced it from $8 billion in additional taxes to zero by some very difficult negotiations at the table which I was a part of," Benoit said. "[Bogh] was nowhere to be seen."
The Democrats of the Desert say their candidate for the local State Senate seat is Beaumont Resident Art Guerrero.
Stay with News Channel 3 and KESQ.com with the latest on the road to Sacramento this election year.
