Former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D) accepted an appointment as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.  Her seat is thus open. A special primary (not general) election to fill it will be held tomorrow.

Tauscher voted for most recent free trade agreements except CAFTA.  She was not a co-sponsor of the currency misalignment bill in the last Congress.

Republican David Harmer is favored to gain the Republican nomination.  John Garamendi (current Lieutenant Governor) is favored for the Democrats.

Tauscher won her 2008 election by 34 points.  Obama won the district by 32 points over McCain.  It looks like a safe seat for the Democratic primary winner.