A look at California politics that's hopeful for Republicans and anyone wanting real political debate in the state.

• California's governor's race could become competitive again after years of one-party dominance.
• A Republican hasn't won since Arnold Schwarzenegger, and it likely takes a celebrity outsider to have a shot.
• California's "jungle primary" usually puts two Democrats on the ballot, so there's no real debate between different ideas.
• There's optimism about what the state could look like if it were run differently.

Outlook: A more competitive race could bring real debate, but Republicans still face long odds in a heavily Democratic state.