This is a quickie diary for fellow Californians. We are withering on the vine here because Republicans have been using the 2/3 rule against us.
But thanks to 2 Republicans, we now have a great opportunity to get within one seat of that threshold in the State Senate: Arnold named a Republican Senator to replace the now vacated Lt. Governor seat, and it just so happens it's in a district that favors the election of a Democrat!
All it takes is a majority in both houses to confirm Maldonado, and once that happens, then we'll be able to make sure a Dem fills his Senate seat. Dems have the wide majority in both houses, so this is a sure thing right?
Amazingly, it's not. (follow below)
Because the optics might look bad (supporting a Repub. to replace a Democrat) or for selfish reasons (like Dean Florez, who's considering running for Lt. Gov himself and is opposing the nomination because doesn't want to have an incumbent in the office), this isn't such the automatic thing it should be. If left to their own devices, our Democratic senators may shoot themselves in the foot (yet again). We can't let them do that.
Our Senators need to know that Democrats will THANK them if they let Maldonado go through, not get upset at them - even if he's a conservative Republican. Because we need the seat in the Senate and because in a district that's 41% Dem, 34.5% Rep, it is quite winnable. Also, the state as a whole is very Democratic, and we shouldn't be worried about giving Maldonado a leg up. Plus, check out Dante Atkins' story about why Maldonado himself doesn't think he makes the best candidate.
If you live in CA, please contact Sen. Dean Florez (916-651-4016) and your State Senator (lookup) and urge them to let Maldonado go through for Lt. Gov because this is an opportunity for Democrats (and the well-being of the state) that they just can't pass up.
(h/t Robert @ Calitics)