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John Garamendi, Jr. Decides Not to Run for Senate Seat
By Doug Paul Davis
The Vanguard has received word that John Garamendi, Jr. has opted to not challenge Assemblywoman Lois Wolk for the Democratic nomination for the 5th Senate District. That leaves Assemblywoman Wolk from Davis as the only announced Democrat in a bid to succeed current Democratic State Senator Mike Machado.
In 2004, Mike Machado won a very hard fought battle against Stockton Mayor Gary Podesto. In a race that went back and forth up until the end, Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8.
The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state. Indeed, the race has drawn a top notch Republican in Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian.
There is however, word now from some people close to the scene that has suggested that neither the Democratic leadership nor Senator Machado himself are convinced that Assemblywoman Wolk can win this seat. Part of that has to do with the southern portion of the district--the locations that Wolk does not currently represent--being larger than the north. In addition, that portion is much more conservative than the northern part.
There is thus increasing speculation that Democratic Party leaders are looking around for a top notched successor from the southern portion of the fifth district. Therefore, while Assemblywoman Wolk has dodged one large bullet, she may not escape without a hard fought primary election against a well-financed and party-backed challenger.
Doug Paul Davis is a resident of the city of Davis and has created the People's Vanguard of Davis, a progressive blog that covers mainly Yolo County but also some California news where this article originally appeared. It is republished with his permission.
Comments
Why does the Party keep trying to eat their own? Is the author of AB 1899 not considered a good Democrat?
CLCV writes: AB 1899 (Wolk), that would have taken a more comprehensive approach to flood control and been the necessary complement to the flood control bond, which puts billions into levees but nothing into policy reform that will prevent future development in vulnerable flood plains.
Surely a campaign can be built on that kind of legislative work which speaks to the safety and empowerment of California beyond her (current) district.
Posted by: Sherry Reson at July 15, 2007 10:48 AM
"Increasing speculation" by bloggers who don't have a clue. There are no stronger contenders in the San Joaquin portion of the seat.
Wolk will be our nominee.
Posted by: william cavala at July 15, 2007 11:03 AM
Thanks, Bill. I agree with Sherry that Wolk has and is carring a lot of good legislation.
The author of the article has reported news that I am not aware of seeing elsewhere about Garamendi Jr. dropping out of the race and also is reporting what others have said and that Wolk "may" face a challenge, not that he feels it is warranted or is making any prediction himself as to how she would fare in the Southern portion of the district. Apparently others are talking about this, reported Mr. Davis.
Posted by: Frank D. Russo at July 15, 2007 11:39 AM
Junior has confirmed to the Wolk campaign that he will not be a candidate for Senate in 2008.
Now is time for all good men to come to the aid of their nominee Wolk and begin the campaign against Agazarian. (Yes, and all good women too).
Posted by: william cavala at July 17, 2007 08:06 AM
Wolk deserves credit for voting 'Aye' on key environmental bills. My personal opinion is that she would represent the district well. The Party should support her. I expect that the Democratic clubs in the Stockton will likely support.
Posted by: DanKalb at July 17, 2007 08:15 PM
What about Barbara Matthews (Cathleen Galgiani's predecessor) or Cathleen herself. It doesn't have to do with whether Wolk is a good Dem or not---Wolk is way too liberal to win over more conservative Democrats in the Souther portion---they aren't going to like someone like Wolk. If Matthews or Galgiani doesn't run, I would have to say Aghazarian is favored to win the seat.
Posted by: Jack at August 5, 2007 07:30 PM
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