There are two possiblities for Shirley Horton in 2008. Either she is going to be a termed-out legislator with little obvious political future, or she is going to be the most heavily targeted Assemblymember in the state. Either way, this is the year for Horton to pay close attention to the opponents sneaking up behind her.
The top contender, and Horton's likely choice for a Democratic opponent, is Steve Peace, the former State Senator who has incredible fundraising possibilities but also considerable political baggage. If Peace doesn't run, eyes will shift to two other early candidates: Arlie Ricassa and Marty Block. Ricassa is a schoolboard member who ran in 2004, and presumably would have some endorsers and funders from that race who would return to her camp. Block is a community college trustee who should be able to draw on his Democratic Party involvement and Jewish/Attorney connections.
Also on the list is Auday Arabo, but a quick look at his resume makes you wonder if he is running as a Democrat or a Republican. A former Billbray staffer and member of the Lincoln Club? Shirley, you can't be serious.