California’s open primary system has set up one of the most expensive House battles in the country – between two Democrats. Nine-term Congressman Honda won 49 percent in the June 3 primary; Mr. Khanna, a lawyer and former Obama trade official, came in second with 27 percent.
The two now face off in the general election. California’s 17th District is centered in Silicon Valley, and money is pouring into the race. Marissa Mayer of Yahoo, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, and tech entrepreneur Marc Andreessen are backing Khanna. Honda is backed by the Democratic establishment: Obama, California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi of California.
Honda is a big supporter of unions and immigrants’ rights. Khanna’s specialty is intellectual property.
