The Republicans say they will put somebody up, but at this point they don't know who. All the natural predators have been scared off because of the Luken aura. Charlie Winburn has left council for a job on the state civil rights commission. Phil Heimlich realized he wouldn't get the financial support from traditional Republican backers to take on Mr. Luken. No matter how good Charlie Luken is, and he is pretty good, he could be better if another candidate was out there pushing him, offering alternatives, claiming to have a better way, insisting on debating the issues.
Debate is good for the system.
He has spoken of the issues in general terms. He talks of the need to be civil, to work together, to embrace the region's diversity. They are comforting, but not very specific statements. The election is still months away and in the normal course of things a candidate would hone his positions as the campaign heats up. But this campaign is unlikely to heat up.