Robinson: No bad choices in the upcoming election

Unlike November’s general election, which will pit good (President Biden) versus evil (he who will not be named), the March 5 primaries offers voters a chance to vote for the best among us.

Certainly the president will win the primary. The two most contested races locally will be the U.S. Senate race and the congressional race to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo.

There are no bad Democratic candidates among the leaders in either race.

Adam Schiff is well positioned to make it to the general election and has run a flawless primary campaign. His attacks on Steve Garvey have elevated the Trump Republican, while establishing the contrast.

The genius of his campaign is it would be easier to beat Garvey than his rivals Katie Porter and Barbara Lee. Both of whom are exceptional public officials, as is Schiff.

Personally, I would prefer two Democrats in the final, eliminating even the small chance Garvey could win a general election. But tactically Schiff is giving himself the best chance to avoid a nasty intra-party fight.

In any case, all three Democrats would make outstanding senators.

In the congressional race, three have separated themselves from the hoard of candidates. Joe Simitian, Sam Liccardo and Evan Low. All would be acceptable representatives.

Simitian has long coveted the seat and appears to be leading. He has a solid record and the endorsement of Eshoo and Jackie Speier. His only liability is age, at 70 he would be a freshman in Congress where seniority equates to power.

Liccardo has name identification having been mayor of San Jose. Some Democrats question his bona fides, especially after threatening to run against Zoe Lofgren and alienating some in the labor community. Nevertheless, he’s a team player and would be a terrific representative.

In Congress it’s less about the individual and more about the caucus. Liccardo has a positive personality and would do well among his colleagues. If he were to win, his first call should be to Lofgren. Her mentorship will be crucial to any new member.

Low checks all the boxes. He represents diversity. He is progressive, gets along with others and his youth at 40 would be a long-term asset for the district. He also has the endorsement of Ro Khanna.

Any one of these individuals would be terrific in Congress. The top two will face off in November. While two will eventually fail in their quest, the voters simply can’t lose.

San José Spotlight columnist Rich Robinson is a political consultant, attorney and author of “The Shadow Candidate.”