As California continues to count ballots, Republicans spread conspiracy theories that something shady is unfolding in the state.
California's large population has about 80 percent of its voters who vote by mail, and the state counts all ballots that were postmarked on or before election day. They give one week for the ballots to arrive.
Republicans think that because Spencer Pratt was initially in the lead and has now fallen to third place, something is afoot. Pratt was a boyfriend of a former reality TV star. In reality, only about 12 percent of voters identify as registered Republicans, the County Registrar said in a report. So, Pratt's numbers are impressive and show that he managed to encourage not only GOP voters but also other groups.
Nithya Raman has pulled ahead of Pratt, however, which isn't what Mayor Karen Bass wants to see.
CNN data analyst Harry Enten explained that Bass likely wanted Pratt to do well because she trounces him in the general election.
Still, Republicans insist that Democrats are stealing votes from Pratt.
"This is the dumbest conspiracy theory I've ever heard!" Enten exclaimed. The last person Bass wants to run against is another Democrat."
"The democratic establishment and Karen Bass wanted Spencer Pratt in the runoff. They don't want any part of Nithya Raman. Why is that? Because — just take a look here. Okay, mayor. Mayor, runoff polls, Bass versus opponent versus Pratt," he explained. "Bass would have crushed Pratt by 18 points. That's what the polling showed. Look at how she does against Nithya Raman. On the other hand, Raman is ahead by four points. Bass has a real race on her hands, if, in fact, Ramen is the one who advances. And of course, the Democratic establishment is backing Karen Bass, but versus Spencer Pratt, she was crushing him. She wanted to face Pratt."
"And that's why these conspiracy theories. Simply put, make no sense, people," he added.
Bass' favorability numbers are also considerably lower than Raman's.
Enten and co-host John Berman discussed President Donald Trump's hope for Pratt, which Enten called unsurprising. But Trump has dragged Pratt down.
"Los Angeles City voters, Trump's net approval rating in the city of Los Angeles is about 55 points underwater," Enten said. "It's so difficult — 55 points underwater and then registered as a Republican."
It was already a tough climb for Pratt, but Enten explained that there's simply no chance for a Republican.
"The only way [Bass] could lose is if she goes up against another Democrat. And you see it right here, very simply put up by four, no wonder. And that is where the results right now are moving a Ramen versus Bass general election, which I said at the top, an absolute nightmare for the Democratic establishment. And Karen Bass, they would have much preferred Spencer," he closed.
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