Florez taking a second look at his LG bid
State Sen. Dean Florez is re-evaluating his run for lieutenant governor, as his primary challenger racks up key labor endorsements.
In an interview today, the Shafter Democrat emphasized that he is still "100%" in the race. But he said the next few weeks will be critical as he does more private polling on his chances of beating Los Angeles City Council Member Janice Hahn. Hahn, the sister of former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, enjoys high name recognition in voter-rich Southern California and has performed well in private polling.
"Janice Hahn is formidable, no doubt," Florez said. "I am going out to poll this next week and I'm anxious to see if the electorate has moved at all since her poll and I'm going to look at the poll and make a very informed decision."
Florez also cited several key union endorsements Hahn has recently snared, including the California Federation of Teachers union and California Professional Firefighters.
But Florez still expects to report more campaign funds when the latest reports come out in the coming days. He says he has raised about a half million dollars since the last reporting period in July and will report having about a million dollars in the bank.
Garry South, chief strategist for Hahn, did not say how much she will report, but noted that has she "been raising money for a far shorter period of time than Dean Florez."
Hahn formed her exploratory committee in September and officially announced her bid in late December. Florez formed his fundraising committee in 2007.
The wildcard in the race is Abel Maldonado, a Republican state senator and the governor's pick to serve out the lieutenant governor term of Democrat John Garamendi, who was recently elected to Congress. Democrats have suggested they will reject his confirmation. But it is also widely speculated that Dems might not roadblock Maldonado if he cooperates with them on a state budget deal. Maldonado, a moderate Latino from the Central Coast, says he will run for lieutenant governor in the fall even if he's not confirmed.
Florez, also a Latino, said he could beat Maldonado in the general election, but said Hahn might have more trouble because Maldonado could lure Latino voters. South shot back that Latinos are "not going to vote for anybody with an 'R' after their name."
The real uncertainty, Florez said, is what might happen if Maldonado is rejected and the governor appoints a Democrat, who would immediately be in a good position in November's election. But Florez said if the governor were to pick a Los Angeles Democrat, it might open the door for him because Hahn might have to share the Southern California vote.
"Maldonado's confirmation weighs very heavily on my mind because so many things can happen if he's rejected," Florez said.
The Legislature has until Feb. 21 to act on Maldonado's confirmation. If they don't do anything, he's automatically confirmed.
Comments:
Those of you who live in Fresno and the surrounding areas may want to think about your unemployment rates.. and loss of revenue. Florez was a PROPONENT of Prop 2.. you know the one that lets chickens run free while YOU pay the PRICE. Chicken ranchers and egg farmers are moving their production which generate MILLIONS if not billions of dollars for our state to more people friendly places like Idaho and Nevada. Jobs lost, tax dollars gone, and higher food prices. That is what Florez is bringing to the meager table of Californians. Florez is supported by the animal rights group the "Humane Society of the United States". He is their legislator of the year. Not really an honor as these people are the ones who spent MILLIONS in our state to drive out our legitimate business with lies and falsehoods.
The next time you buy eggs that say "made in china" you can thank Dean Florez.
Friends Don't Let Friends Vote For Florez OR Donate Money to the HSUS
Posted by: alice in LALA land at January 13, 2010 1:44 PM
Issue 2 passed by an overwhelming margin and received support from a broad array of organizations and individuals. It called for modest reform in the way that certain farm animals are raised – specifically, that egg-laying hens, pregnant sows, and veal calves have enough room to stand up, turn around, and stretch their limbs. It will go into effect in 2015, giving farmers ample time to transition to new types of housing. The HSUS is a mainstream animal protection organization, and we encourage anyone with questions to check out our website at www.humanesociety.org. The passage of Issue 2 demonstrates that the public strongly believes farm animals deserve to be treated humanely.
Posted by: Hillary at January 15, 2010 2:50 PM
This is for Hillary and other animal rights zealots who lie. Wayne Pacelle has publicy stated that no cage even the one described in the proposition 2 will be allowed. He has so far prevented the egg farmers who want to build according to this vague unscientific law from doing so. Why do you think they are all moving out of state. Get real Hillary and quit lying to the public. HSUS and PeTA have promised to end all use of animals for food, pets, and education. That is their only goal other than raising a lot of money to spend on themselves. Did the public know that studies on chickens show they prefer furnished cages and the death rate is over 60% for those that are free roaming plus the eggs they produce have a higher disease rate. Chickens will kill each other and even their chicks. They have a strong sense of pecking and will peck each other's eyes out. The public didn't have a clue as to what chickens need or prefer. Scientific studies show that furnished cage with a roost with food and water on regular intervals is the least stressful environment for chickens. It is interesting to note that PeTA has been found guilty by the German HIgh Court of paying people to make false videos. They even paid someone to skin an animal alive to use to raise money. These are the people who kill more pets than anyone through the bad laws they pass. It is well known around the country that proposition 2 was passed due to false publicity and lack of knowledge by the public about best farming practices. Animals are not people. Animal welfare is a good thing but animal rights means the end of all domestic animals according to HSUS and PeTA. I have been to their workshops and that is their goal from their own mouths.
Posted by: Dr. Rosset at January 19, 2010 7:47 AM
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