CALIFORNIA POLITICS 2009 - 2010

May 20, 2009

Propositions 1A - E were defeated at the polls this week, and Proposition 1F was approved by the voters. The conclusion to this four month hotly contested special election signaled the unofficial start of the statewide races for all the constitutional officers in California.

In the ever changing landscape of California politics, the Governor's race for 2010 is shaping up to be one of genuine interest. Several candidates have announceD their intention to run for office or have formed committees to explore that possibility. On the Republican side of the aisle three contenders have emerged so far. The contenders are Meg Whitman the former President and Chief Executive Officer of eBay, Steve Poizner Insurance Commissioner and former Congressman Tom Campbell.

Lining up in opposition on the Democratic side are Jerry Brown Attorney General, Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor of Los Angeles and Gavin Newsome Mayor of San Francisco. The perpetual undeclared gubernatorial candidate, as always, is US Senator Dianne Feinstein who will be 77 years old on election day.

In a down ballot race for California Attorney General, arguably the second most powerful elected position in California state government, the field includes many more Democrats than Republicans at this juncture. On the Democratic side running for this position, declared and undeclared are Rocky Delgadillo Los Angeles City Attorney, Kamela Harris San Francisco District Attorney, Ted Lieu Assemblyman, Chris Kelly general counsel from Facebook, Joe Canciamilla former State Assemblyman, Pedro Nava State Assemblyman, and Albert Torrico, State Assemblyman. All alone on the Republican side so far is Tom Harman, State Senator.

Stay tuned for updates as candidates rise and fall between now and November 2010.

William Gailey

Political practice leader

GAILEY ASSOCIATES, INC