Dear Supporter,

This morning I voted on the Senate Floor to oppose the confirmation of Senator Abel Maldonado as California’s Lieutenant Governor, and only minutes ago the California State Assembly voted to deny his confirmation as well.

I know some had pushed for his approval, including some of the other current Democratic candidates in the race for Lieutenant Governor.  I, however, feel we have too much to lose to put someone with his record of votes and actions a heartbeat from the Governorship.

Senator Maldonado recently admitted to OSHA violations in his farming practice, which he felt little need to clarify or explain to his legislative colleagues and the public.

He has consistently voted against clean air for the smog-shrouded Central Valley which I represent, where one in six children must carry an inhaler to school.

Senator Maldonado has opposed health care reform, an increase in the minimum wage, and even voted against liability for farm operators – an issue on which he clearly should have recused himself.

While I understand some members felt some sense of “comity” required them to send Senator Maldonado’s confirmation along to the Assembly, I simply feel that these positions put him too far at odds with the values and beliefs I – and you -- hold dear.

In the end, the question for me was whether or not I would have supported Senator Maldonado if he were on the ballot, and I would not.  If I wouldn’t vote for him on the ballot, why would I support his appointment now?  And if he believes the Governor’s false argument that his appointment will stand, he ought to resign his Senate seat now and assume the office of Lieutenant Governor until the courts reach their decision.

The Governor’s threat to force his nominee in through the courts rings hollow.  Dan Lungren tried and failed with the same argument more than two decades ago.  It is time for the Governor to stop pounding his fists and wasting our scant resources and move forward with a Plan B – whether that be leaving the Lieutenant Governor’s office vacant until November or putting forth a nominee we can all get behind.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of why I had to vote the way I did today, and I encourage you to keep working toward the election of leadership in this state that will reflect the humanity of our citizenship.

Sincerely,

DEAN FLOREZ
Senate Majority Leader

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Press Release: 2-11-10

Assembly Rejects Maldonado Appointment

SACRAMENTO -- Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) broke with many in his party today in voting against the confirmation of Senator Abel Maldonado for Lieutenant Governor.  The motion passed in the Senate by a vote of 26-7.

In explaining his vote today, Florez issued the following statement:

"The question for me was whether I would have supported Senator Maldonado if he was on the ballot.  I would not be able to vote for him if he was on the ballot, so in my mind it made no sense to support him now."

"I watched the confirmation hearings and I was surprised and disappointed to learn that Mr. Maldonado had admitted to a number of OSHA violations with respect to his farming operation, and I was disappointed that he wasn't prepared or didn't elaborate on the severity or nature of the violations.  I think this really needed to be cleared up."

"Senator Maldonado voted against liability for farm operators when, under the circumstances we know now, he should clearly have recused himself.  He has consistently voted against air quality for the Central Valley, against health care reform and against a modest raise to the minimum wage for all those who are struggling in this state."

"I was also surprised at how Senator Maldonado characterized his role in addressing the state budget, his efforts to hold up the state budget, how he allowed people -- many people in my district -- to suffer, took our state to the brink of financial collapse and then characterized his holding out as somehow a principled move."

"The fact that he can't get his own ideas through the legislature or convince enough people to support his ideas, opposes real reforms to move California forward, and then uses the budget to extract concessions for his vote for something he wants is a practice that I don't support, and I wouldn't support someone who does such things."

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