Speaker of the California Assembly John Pérez, one of the highest ranked openly gay officials in the country, has released a "It Gets Better" video for the holiday season, which he recognizes can be a difficult one for LGBT teens.
Showing posts with label AD-46. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AD-46. Show all posts
Watch CA Speaker John Pérez Say "It Absolutely Gets Better "
Speaker of the California Assembly John Pérez, one of the highest ranked openly gay officials in the country, has released a "It Gets Better" video for the holiday season, which he recognizes can be a difficult one for LGBT teens.
CA and MD Openly LGBT Caucuses Reach Seven Each
Congressman-elect David Cicilline (RI-01)
Last night was a big night for openly LGBT candidates, with the most ever being elected nationwide, including a fourth openly gay member of Congress in David Cicilline, the openly gay mayor of Providence, Rhode Island who was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District.There are now five African Amererican LGBT state representatives around the country: Simone Bell (GA), Mary Washington (MD), Marcus Brandon (NC), Jason Bartlett (CT) and Gordon Fox (RI). Two states have the largest LGBT legislative contingents ever: seven in both Maryland and California.
Maryland: Senator Rich Madaleno (D-18) and Delegates Maggie McIntosh (D-43), Heather Mizeur (D-20), and Anne Kaiser (D-14), Bonnie Cullison (D-19), Mary Washington (D-43), and Luke Clippinger (D-46)
California: Senators Mark Leno (SD-3) and Christine Kehoe (SD-39), Assemblymembers John Perez (AD-46), Ricardo Lara (AD-50), Tom Ammiano (AD-13), Toni Atkins (AD-76) and Rich Gordon (AD-21)So, it's not all bad news out there.
Hat/tip to Denis Dison of the Victory Fund.
MadProfessah Endorsements for CA's November 2, 2010 General Election
Finally, the moment you have been waiting for! Here are MadProfessah's positions on how I will be voting in the November 2 Statewide General Election, compared with endorsements from other organizations like the Los Angeles Times, Calitics.com, CA Democratic Party, Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Stonewall Democratic Club (LGBT group), CA League of Women Voters and Courage Campaign's Progressive Voter Guide. Previously, I had posted my endorsements for the June 8, 2010 primary election.
Jerome Horton is an African-American incumbent, but when he was in the state legislature he was an unreliable vote on LGBT issues. He has since tried to make amends, but MadProfessah can not in good conscience endorse him, although I will note that the Stonewall Democrats have.
There are several judicial races on the ballot for which it is often hard to get information on.
There are numerous openly LGBT people running for elected office. John Noguez for Los Angeles County Assessor. In statewide legislative districts there is Ricardo Lara (AD-50) and John Perez (AD-46).
Proposition ME LAT CALITICS CA DEM LA DEM LWV
19 (Marijuana) YES NO YES --- YES ---
20 (Redistricting) NO YES NO NO NO NO
21 (State Parks) YES NO YES YES YES ---
22 (Local Funds) NO NO --- NO NO ---
23 (Suspends AB-32)NO NO NO NO NO NO
24 (Ends Tax Cuts) YES NO YES YES YES YES
25 (Majority Vote) YES YES YES YES YES YES
26 (2/3 Fee Vote) NO NO NO NO NO NO
27 (Undoes Prop 11)YES NO YES YES YES NO
Statewide Races ME LA TIMES DEMOCRATS
Governor Brown Brown Brown
U.S. Senator Boxer* Boxer* Boxer*
Lieutenant Governor Newsom Newsom Newsom
Attorney General Harris Cooley Harris
Secretary of State Bowen* Bowen* Bowen*
Treasurer Lockyer* Lockyer* Lockyer*
Controller Chiang* Chiang* Chiang*
Insurance Commissioner Jones Jones Jones
Supt. of Public Inst. Torlakson Aceves Torlakson
Bd. of Equalization, #1 Yee* --- Yee*
Bd. of Equalization, #2 --- --- Parker
Bd. of Equalization, #3 --- --- Christian-Heising
Bd. of Equalization, #4 --- --- Horton*
Jerome Horton is an African-American incumbent, but when he was in the state legislature he was an unreliable vote on LGBT issues. He has since tried to make amends, but MadProfessah can not in good conscience endorse him, although I will note that the Stonewall Democrats have.
There are several judicial races on the ballot for which it is often hard to get information on.
Other Races ME LA TIMES DEMOCRATS
CA Sup. Crt. Chief Justice ---- Cantil-Sakauye
CA Sup. Crt. Justice Moreno Moreno Moreno
CA Sup. Crt. Justice ---- Chin ---
Superior Court, No. 28 Ameli Hammock AmeliSuperior Court, No. 117 Schneider Schneider Schneider
L.A. County Assessor Noguez Yong Noguez
Additionally, every Court of Appeals Justice and three State Supreme Court justices are up for re-election (or re-appointment). The Los Angeles Times basically says that every incumbent justice is worthy of re-election. However, Justice Carlos Moreno is the only State Supreme Court justice that thought Proposition 8 violated the state constitution. Ming Chin was in the minority of the 2008 In Re Marriage Cases decision and should NOT be re-appointed. Tani Cantil-Sakauye is Governor Schwarzenegger's nominee to replace Chief Justice Ron George; if approved she'll be the first female and Phillipine-American to head California's highest court. Since we know so little about her, I can't support voting to confirm her. I think it's silly that George didn't wait until the new Governor to be elected before retiring earlier this year anyway.There are numerous openly LGBT people running for elected office. John Noguez for Los Angeles County Assessor. In statewide legislative districts there is Ricardo Lara (AD-50) and John Perez (AD-46).
CA LGBT Legislative Caucus Increasing to ≥ 7
Back in May 2008 I predicted that the next California LGBT legislative caucus (January 2009) would have five members. I was correct on the numbers (5), but not on the names (Assemblymembers Perez, Ammiano, Senators Kehoe, Leno and Ashburn). And the last of these was not out until a scandal this year.
Ashburn is not running for re-election, but makes history as the first openly gay Republican member of the California Legislature (who was out wile still serving).
The LGBT legislative caucus of the 2011-2013 session should have at least 7 openly LGBT members, 5 in the Assembly and 2 in the Senate.
June 2010 (FIVE) January 2011 (SEVEN)
ASSEMBLY
Tom Ammiano (AD-13) Tom Ammiano (AD-13)
John Perez (AD-46) John Perez (AD-46)
Ricardo Lara (AD-50)
Toni Atkins (AD-76)
Richard Gordon (AD-21)
SENATE
Christine Kehoe (SD-39) Christine Kehoe (SD-39)
Mark Leno (SD-3) Mark Leno (SD-3)
Roy Ashburn (SD-18)
Ashburn is not running for re-election, but makes history as the first openly gay Republican member of the California Legislature (who was out wile still serving).
Additionally, there is a good chance that former Assembyman John Laird may re-join the caucus as its 8th member if he wins a special election in the 15th Senate District in August.
AD-45: Cedillo and De Leon Plan To Swap Seats
 |  |
| de León | Cedillo |
Cedillo, who is termed out in the Senate, had planned to run for a third and final term in the 46th Assembly District seat, which he previously represented for two terms and change.
But that plan was foiled when the current holder of the 46th District -- Assembly Speaker-Elect John A. Pérez-- opted to take the leadership role instead of vacating his Assembly seat for a Senate run.
Cedillo initially pledged to challenge Pérez, but a decision by Assemblyman Kevin de León, who also sought the speaker post, to run for Cedillo's Senate seat created an open Assembly seat for Cedillo to seek.
Pérez said in a statement that he will make a victory for his lifelong friend a priority.
"Gilbert cares deeply about the concerns facing all working men and women, Latinos, and the broader community," he said in a statement. "We need legislators like Gilbert with the experience and community ties to build consensus as we address our state's ongoing economic crisis."
I'm not a big fan of this move. Why should the 45th District be a way station for Gil Cedillo between his next elected position? I totally understand why Kevin De León would run for the open Senate Seat in the 22nd District even though he could have served the 45th for one more 2-year term. The point is that even if Cedillo wins the 45th District sear, he is immediately a lame duck because he is termed out in 2012.
The real question that needs to be answered is will any progressive Democrat in the 45th District decide to raise their voice to object to this shotgun wedding between three unlikely bedfellows: Cedillo, De León and Pérez.
I'm pretty sure that Speaker Pérez is the real mastermind behind this seat-swap which seems like a win-win-win: gets Cedillo out of Pérez's 46th Assembly District, promotes a rising Latino political star (and Pérez's unsuccessful rival for the Assembly speakership) to the upper legislative house, and solidifies Pérez's hold over two Assembly seats (the 45th and the 46th).
Celebrity Friday: John A. Pérez Elected Speaker
John A. Pérez officially made history on Thursday when he was elected (the first openly gay man to be) Speaker of the California Assembly, by a vote of 48-26.Congratulations, John! Pérez is expected to take office sometime in March, when Speaker Karen Bass transitions out of that role and ramping up for the 2010 elections begins.
John Pérez Endorsed By Current Speaker Karen Bass
Multiple media sources are reporting that the race for Speaker is all but over, and openly gay John Pérez has apparently won. On Wednesday, current Speaker Karen Bass endorsed Pérez as her successor:
Bass said Peréz has secured support of a majority of the Assembly's Democratic Caucus --including herself -- and will have enough votes (41 are needed) to become speaker. Peréz, a Democratic from L.A., would be the body's first openly gay speaker.
[...]The speaker, who had made clear her intention to step down by early 2010, didn't lay out an exact time frame for the transition. But she said the Democratic Caucus will vote next week -- and since the Dems control a majority of the Assembly, their choice will rule when it comes down to a floor vote of the full house.
[...]
Peréz, a freshman lawmaker who is the cousin of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, emerged in recent weeks as a contender for the position. He is chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and took the lead securing votes during last month's contentious negotiations over water policy. He formerly worked as a political director for a Southern California local of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and is a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Will California's Next Assembly Speaker Be Gay?
Freshman Assemblymember John Pérez is emerging as a leading candidate to replace Speaker of the California Assembly Karen Bass. In fact, Calitics is claiming it's all over but the wailing and the gnashing of teeth.Perez entered the race after a number of his Assembly colleagues mounted an effort to draft him as a speakership candidate. Capitol sources said if Perez is able to secure a majority of his caucus, the vote on a new speaker could come by next week, when the Assembly reconvenes to vote on education legislation.Pérez is well-known around these parts as the first (and only) openly LGBT person of color to
One of those involved in the Draft Perez movement was Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. Huffman told Capitol Weekly Tuesday, "I believe John now has the votes. I think it's over."
[...]
Perez did not appear to have a majority of his caucus's support Tuesday, but momentum for his bid was clearly growing. Assemblyman Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, another candidate for the job, has told members he has support from 22 members of his caucus -- four shy of the 26 Democrats informally needed to secure the job.
Neither Perez nor De Leon's office immediately returned calls seeking comment.
be elected to the California Legislature. Although, if HONOR PAC has its way, he will not be the last. Openly gay (Latino) Ricardo Lara is a leading candidate in the 50th Assembly District and opely gay (African American) Mitch Ward is a leading candidate for the 53rd Assembly District.
Pérez's main challenger for the Speaker job, Kevin de León is my local Assemblyperson, and I am an elected Delegate to the California Democratic Central Committee from the 45th Assembly District.
That being said, I would still love to have an openly gay Speaker of the Assembly.
AD-50: Lara Is Apparent Frontrunner
Ricardo Lara is an openly gay, Latino candidate for California's 50th Assembly District. The 50th Assembly District is in Los Angeles and contains the entire cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Commerce, Cudahy, Lynwood, South Gate, and Walnut Park. Lara is the District Director for the only openly gay Latino Assemblymember in California history, John Perez who represents the 46th Assembly District. Lara is supported by HONORPAC, the LGBT Latino political action committee in the June 8, 2010 Democratic primary.UPDATE 09/09/09 17:06 (CORRECTION): Lara is the Communications Director for Assemblymember Kevin DeLeon, in the 45th District, not District Director for Assemblymember Perez in the 46th.
This is interesting, because in 2006 Lara initially ran against his future boss in the 46th District but was convinced to step aide and clear the field for Antonio Villaraigosa's cousin (Perez). However, now that the 50th District seat (currently held by Hector de la Torre) will be an open seat in 2010 the two former rivals appear to have joined forces to double the Latino LGBT representation in the California Assembly.
According to HONRPAC, Lara apparently has raised over $100,000, the most money of the three Democrats declared to be running for the seat, with Carmen Avalos, [UPDATE 09/11/09 18:06 (CORRECTION)] (a de la Torre staffer) (City Clerk of South Gate and Chair of the Cerritos Community College Board of Trustees) his most formidable rival. The other Democrat Art Chacon, is a member of the Central Basin Municipal Water District. FPPC records show Lara with about $70,000 on hand.
MadProfessah will be keeping track of this race very carefully. It's very important that openly LGBT members be elected to replace retiring members of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus, especially people of color which reflects the diversity of California.
The Next LGBT Legislative Caucus of California
Although there have been reports that the California LGBT Legislative Caucus is in danger of extinction the truth is that in January 2009 it is very likely that it will be as large as ever.
The only current member who is not termed out are State Senators Christine Kehoe and Carole Migden. However, Migden is facing a primary fight which she is very likely to lose.
In addition, there's the possibility that Laurette Healey may win her primary to replace
Assemblymember Lloyd Levine in the 40th Assembly District and it's possible that Greg Pettis will win his primary in the 80th district (but it's unlikely he will win the general election in this Republican-leaning district).
The only current member who is not termed out are State Senators Christine Kehoe and Carole Migden. However, Migden is facing a primary fight which she is very likely to lose.
January 2007 January 2009
Assembly
Mark Leno (AD-13) Tom Ammiano (AD-13)
John Laird (AD-27) John Perez (AD-46)
Chris Cabaldon (AD-8)
State Senate
Christine Kehoe (SD-39) Christine Kehoe (SD-39)
Carole Migden (SD-3) Mark Leno (SD-3)
Sheila Kuehl (SD-23)
In addition, there's the possibility that Laurette Healey may win her primary to replace
Assemblymember Lloyd Levine in the 40th Assembly District and it's possible that Greg Pettis will win his primary in the 80th district (but it's unlikely he will win the general election in this Republican-leaning district).
First Openly Gay Speaker of California Assembly?
Mad Professah attended an event supporting the bid of John Perez to become the first openly-gay man elected to the State Legislature from Southern California on Sunday. Perez is Mayor Antonio Viallaraigosa's cousin and the prohibitive favorite to win the Democratic primary for the 46th Assembly District on Tuesday June 3rd. The winner of the primary will be leected in November, thanks to legislative partisan gerrymandering.
At the event much was made that Perez has the background and connections to be in the leadership if the Assembly as a freshman, and some were touting him as a future Speaker of the Assembly (after current Speaker Karen Bass, is termed out in 2010 of course).
AD-46: Fabian's Seat Cleared For Tony's Cousin
The Mexican American Princes are at it again. In the 46th Assembly District currently represented by Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Núñez the field has been cleared for his annointed successor, who happens to be (openly gay) John Perez, the cousin of former Speaker of the Assembly and current Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa.It should be interesting how much press this race gets. If elected, Perez would be the first openly gay, Latino member of the California Legislature, and only the 3rd gay man ever elected to a statewide office in California.
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