The shock tactics Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt will need to win

I once asked Steve Hilton whether he had a plan to win the governor’s race — not just to qualify for the general election.He said he did.Work hard, campaign on ideas, talk to voters.All of that is good, I said.

But had he considered spending money to boost Chad Bianco?He looked at me like I was a little nuts.Which, to be fair, might be an accurate assessment.But if it was good enough for Democrat Adam Schiff to promote Republican Steve Garvey two years ago, ensuring he wouldn’t face a tougher race against a fellow Democrat in the general, why shouldn’t Republicans play some of the same games?After all, Hilton’s best chance of winning was to face another Republican in the general election.Because the rule in California — not ironclad, but a rule of thumb — is that the worst Democrat will usually defeat the best Republican.That’s just the math of party registration and turnout.Hilton didn’t take my advice.

In fact, he called on Bianco to drop out of the race.Maybe that was the right approach.It secured Hilton the top finish in the primary.

It also ensured that at least one Republican qualified for the general election.But if Hilton wants to win — and I assume he does — then he has to start getting creative.I don’t just mean creative about ideas.I mean creative about tactics.His opponent, Xavier Becerra, is a party-line Democrat.

He’s generic, brand “X.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story He wants to keep the gas tax and high-speed rail.

He spent his victory speech boasting about his union membership card.Becerra is going to rally Democrats because they don’t care about his bad policies or his failures — the crime wave in California, the migrant children lost by the Biden administration.So do something different. ...