Primary Election Coverage Part Three : Louie, Louie and Triple A Baseball

Editor: This is Doug Porter’s third in a series on the California Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, June 8th.  Part One was on the Governor for California race, and Part Two was on the third party candidates.

In this installment I’ll be talking about some of the players that are hoping to enhance their political careers by moving up through the array of elected offices that support the big players in California politics. Think of it as triple A baseball—it’s kinda fun if you’re there in person, and sleep inducing if you’re trying to watch on TV, unless you’ve got a relative in the game.

The Lt. Governor’s Race

And you thought being Governor of California was a crappy job? Obviously being Lt. Governor is not so bad, as no less than THIRTEEN candidates are vying for the job. It must be the benefit package, I think. Or maybe you get a corner office. Plus it can be a great stepping stone for the right kind of ambitious politician. Many have tried, most have failed.

Obviously other people have wondered over the years just what it is that the Lt. Gov. does besides wait around for the boss to croak or split on a junket, because the position has been loaded up with responsibilities, or at least lots of meetings to attend.

The first louie is also:

• President of the California State Senate

• Chair of the Commission for Economic Development

And a member of:

• The UC Board of Regents

• CSU Board of Trustees

• The State Lands Commission

• Ocean Protection Council

• The California Emergency Council

Lieutenant Governor Democratic Candidates

Janice Hahn: LA City Council member Hahn has fine political pedigree: She is the daughter of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and the sister of former L.A. Mayor James Hahn, and the niece of former L.A. Councilman Gordon Hahn. Hahn’s got plenty of support from labor and women’s organizations. She’s also been mentioned as potential candidate for Congresswoman Jane Harman’s seat should be appointed to some post or another in the Obama administration. And then there’s the speculation that she’s eying a run for the LA Board of Supervisors. Run, Janice, Run. See Janice Run. http://janicehahn.com/

Eric Korevaar: The San Diego connection in this race. Businessman and scientist. He wants to fire the entire Lt. Gov. staff of 30 and serve in the position solo, to prove his love of fiscal restraint. http://www.voteforeric.com/

Gavin Newsom: Restaurateur, Mayor of San Francisco, bon vivant and formerly a candidate for the Governor’s post. He dropped out of the big race despite getting Bill Clinton’s endorsement and dropped back in as a candidate for this post. His savvy use of the internet has amped up his network of supporters and helped boost his name recognition. He’s good looking, smart, ambitious, and he’s leading in all the polls. http://www.gavinnewsom.com/home

Lieutenant Governor Republican Candidates

Sam Aanestad: The retiring State Senator has dubbed himself the “consistent conservative candidate” in this race. He’s endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and that old dude who’s seen in the Poizner ads saying that these is only one conservative in the race for Governor. He brags that he’s never voted for a tax increase. And he’s considered a serious competitor in this race.  http://www.gavinnewsom.com/home

Abel Maldonado: Appointed to the Lt. Governor’s position by the Gubenator last month, he has the power of incumbency behind him. However, Maldonado is one of the most liberal Republicans in the state legislature. And that could hurt him in a primary season that’s dominated by pandering to the right wing of the party. http://www.abelmaldonado2010.com/Abel_for_Lieutenant_Gov/Home.html

Bert Davis: Well, we know he’s 32 and from Stockton. No known web address or campaign info on line. Maybe he’s running on a luddite platform. (Okay, since none of you rocket scientists know what a luddite was, here’s the Wikipedia Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite )

Yvonne R. Girard: A Judicial assistant from from Riverside. Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GIRARD-FOR-LT-GOVERNOR-2010/203718484941

Dave Harris: Businessman & ’06 State Controller Candidate. Another Luddite.

Scott L. Levitt: Seal Beach resident Scott L. Levitt, has never held public office before. His father, Seal Beach Councilman Michael Levitt, actually wanted him to run for the local District 1 council seat this year. But he figured, why not go big?

The rest of the tickets

Many other Statewide races are uncontested. There are competing candidates in both major parties for Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner. There is also competition for the “non-partisan” Superintendent of Public Instruction. If you’re truly motivated, I suggest that you read your Official Voter Information Guide which has statements from the candidates. I was unable to purchase coffee with enough caffeine to get me through writing a section on these candidates.

Next Up: The Statewide Ballot Propositions