The House Democrats who backed both immigration measures — Gray, Josh Harder of Stockton, Mike Levin of Oceanside (San Diego County), Dave Min of Orange County and Whitesides — all represent battleground districts.

“I think there’s a basic political calculation with some of the purple seaters,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin, who represents a solidly blue district on the Peninsula and didn’t support either measure.  “I think immigration is a potent issue, and we’re clearly in need of some kind of comprehensive reform. I’m not going to pretend that immigration wasn’t a potent issue in the campaign, especially in swing districts. I’m in a different district,” Mullin said.

I won't veer off into the specific topic.  Readers can get that coverage anywhere.  I do find it interesting that Rep. Mullin can a) appreciate that some CA reps have purple districts whose constituents they need to consider ("political calculation") and b) he appears to be less inclined to think his constituents might also have varying opinions on certain issues--so less "calculating" is needed.  One might say "look at the last dozen District 15 elections" (or maybe more) and conclude he doesn't ever have to think "purple".  I'm not saying he does or doesn't.  I'm just bookmarking an interesting quote and anticipating more in the future.