Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, has moved to the top of the lieutenant governor list. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will make the appointment now that Democrat John Garamendi is going to Congress. That shows the lack of clout in the Lt. Guv job, by the way. Garamendi would rather be one of 53 members of Congress from California than lieutenant governor. That's why this job is referred to as "Light Guv."
That said, a lot of politicians want the job. Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown might even come out of retirement to take the mostly ceremonial post. Capitol insiders have been passing the rumor that Brown wants the job. Finally, a lieutenant governor with some personality. But bet your money on Maldonado.
The choice of Maldonado would have something for Democrats, who must confirm the selection in the Senate. The Democrats might do that for the chance of winning Maldonado's 15th District Senate seat. No other Republican candidate for the appointment can offer Democrats that exchange.
But it's no sure thing that the Democrats would win that Senate seat because Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, might try to jump to the Senate in the special election.
The governor also owes Maldonado something for providing a key Republican vote for the budget. The GOP members didn't like that vote, and might like trading Maldonado for a conservative they can count on.
Other possible candidates for the lieutenant governor appointment are Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto; Assembly Member Mike Villines, R-Clovis; former Rep. Tom Campbell, a GOP candidate for governor, and former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg, a Democrat who would be a placeholder until the 2012 election.
But wouldn't it be fun with Willie Brown as lieutenant governor?
The Dems ought to love this guy...he's one of the lightweight republicans who caved on the budget.Please take him and help us purge the system.
Let Abel stay on the Coast. We need a big change to save Our Valley, and the hard working portion of the State.
www.DownsizeCaNow.com