an early lead. Both the Cook Political Report and CQPolitics rated the race as Republican Favored. But Busby gained in October (a late October poll by SurveyUSA showed Busby trailing by just 3 points) for a number of reasons: the general political climate seen as disadvantageous to the GOP, Busby's outraising Bilbray, and Bilbray's low profile campaign, on Oct. 23, CQPolitics changed their rating to Leans Republican. Despite these developments, Busby lost to Bilbray in the general election in November, receiving 43% (77,695 votes) to Bilbray's 53% (95,459 votes). 2010 general election Busby formally announced her candidacy in the 2010 race for California's 50th Congressional District at a press conference April 16, 2009 in Encinitas. An incident at a Busby fundraiser in June 2009 created a furor. During a political fundraiser at a home in Cardiff, a neighbor called the San Diego County sheriff's office to complain about noise. Deputy Marshall Abbott responded and entered the home; he wound up handcuffing and arresting the home's owner and another woman after the hostess refused to give the deputy her date of birth. Deputy Marshall Abbott used pepper spray on some of the guests and called for backup, which eventually included six police cars, a police dog, and a helicopter. No charges were filed against the women or the deputy. The two women and six other people filed a federal suit against the County of San Diego claiming that their civil rights had been violated. Without admitting any wrongdoing, the county agreed to pay $1.2 million in an out of court settlement. Busby won the Democratic primary against rival Tracy Emblem in June 2010 and became the Democratic congressional nominee for California's 50th district in the 2010 midterm elections. She lost to Republican Brian Bilbray for the third time on November 2, 2010. References External links Official campaign website List of contributors to Busby's campaigns PAC donors, Indiv donors, Personal Financial Disclosures, Campaign Disbursements at PoliticalMoneyLine 1951 births Living people Politicians from Los Angeles Writers from Los Angeles University of California, Irvine alumni Women in California politics California Democrats School board members in California American people of Italian descent 21st-century American women