CDCAN Report #316-2009: Governor Selects Senator Abel Maldonado to fill Lt Governor Vacancy
GOVERNOR TAPS ABEL MALDONALDO TO FILL LT. GOVERNOR VACANCY
Senator Abel Maldonado: Senator Abel Maldonado
SACRAMENTO, CALIF (CDCAN) [Updated 11/23/09 05:22 PM (Pacific Time)] - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today he is appointing State Sen. Abel Maldonado (Republican - Santa Maria), age 42, as the next Lieutenant Governor, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Garamendi who stepped down earlier this month after winning a special congressional election. Maldonado would fill out the remainder of Garamendi's term, which expires in January 2011.
The appointment requires confirmation by both the State Senate and Assembly. If confirmed, Maldonado would resign his State Senate seat - requiring the Governor to set a special election to fill that vacancy. The Senate seat that Maldonado holds would not have been up for election until 2012 - and Democrats see the seat as one they could shift from the Republican column.
The Lieutenant Governor serves as acting Governor in the Governor's absence from the state and serves on the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees and the California State Lands Commission. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor serves as president of the California State Senate.
The Governor in a statement released this afternoon, said that "Senator Maldonado has proven he has the strength and courage it takes to reach across the" partisan divide and put the interests of Californians first and he is absolutely the most qualified person to take on the role of Lieutenant Governor. Senator Maldonado shares my commitment to creating a transparent, accountable government that works for the people. He will be a true partner in solving the critical issues facing our state and building a stronger future for California."
Maldonado said:
Like the Governor, I learned the values of hard work, dedication and personal responsibility at a young age and place a high priority on reforming California's broken government so that it is more responsive to and reflective of California's diverse population I'm honored to take on the position of Lieutenant Governor and I look forward to working with the Governor to tackle important issues facing California and to ensure all Californians have the opportunity to realize their own American Dream.
Since 2004, Maldonado has served in the California State Senate, representing the 15th District, where he has proven his commitment to reforming state government and expanding opportunities for all Californians. He was a vocal supporter of the redistricting initiative and the author of the open primary initiative.
Maldonado served in the California State Assembly, representing the 33rd Assembly District from 1998 to 2004. He began public service at an early age when he served as Santa Maria's youngest and first Latino mayor from 1996 to 1998 and city council member from 1994 to 1996.
Maldonado, 42, of Santa Maria, attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he completed coursework in crop science.