http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me ... 2176.story

Election as Immigration Bellwether
Gilchrist allies say his 25% showing makes it an issue in 2006. But GOP leader counters that voters didn't buy 'one-note' campaign.
By Mark Z. Barabak and Jean O. Pasco
Times Staff Writers

December 8, 2005

The newest member of Congress, Orange County's John Campbell, flew to Washington on Wednesday to claim his House seat as both sides in the debate over illegal immigration declared victory after a race closely watched as a possible preview of the 2006 elections.

Backers of Campbell, an Irvine Republican, said his Tuesday night win with 45% of the vote over Jim Gilchrist, co-founder of the civilian Minuteman border patrol, showed that a tough stance on immigration issues was not enough to sway voters â€â€