Calif. Democrats lose Senate supermajority after lawmaker takes job with Chevron

[Newsjock]

Source: Sacramento Bee

State Sen. Michael Rubio announced today that he is resigning from the state Legislature and taking a job directing California governmental affairs for Chevron Corporation.

The East Bakersfield Democrat cited a desire to spend more time with his family in a statement released today, saying he "realized that my current professional path has left little opportunity to be home for those who are most important to me, which is why I am making a change."

... Rubio said in the statement that his resignation is effective today. His decision means Senate Democrats will temporarily lose their supermajority, as two other Democratic seats are currently vacant. A special election will be held to fill his seat for the remainder of his term.

Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/02/state-sen-michael-rubio-resigns-will-take-job-with-chevron.html

[rsmith6621]

1. In WA State

We had two Democratic Senators that still wear the D in front of their name decide to caucus with the republicans. This is a possible major party problem.

My District party is starting to call Democrats out that don't stay in line.

The state party has started to fund raise the 2 Senators out of their positions next elections.

[Politicalboi]

2. Whoever would have thought

The East Bakersfield Democrat cited a desire to spend more time with his family in a statement released today, saying he "realized that my current professional path has left little opportunity to be home for those who are most important to me, which is why I am making a change."

Gosh, who knew you would be away from your family while working for the people. I bet he finds it hard to ONLY work for $174,000 to make ends meet too.

[Leslie Valley]

3. I had no idea State Senators in California made $174,000

Not bad work if you can get it.

[upaloopa]

4. He will still be in Sacramento only fighting against

the people's interest instead of for them.

[Xithras]

5. That special election is going to be vicious.

Bakersfield isn't exactly a liberal area to begin with, and with the current gun laws being proposed in this state, and current Republican fury over Brown being able to impose his agenda without any real "conservative" resistance, the Republicans are going to pour everything they have into capturing that seat and doing whatever they can to reverse the supermajority. That election is going to be one hell of a fight.

It will be an interesting test to see how some of the other purple districts in the Central Valley will fare after the next general election as well. If the voters replace Rubio with another Democrat in Bakersfield, that will bode well for some of the other tossup districts in the Valley.

[graham4anything]

7. Hopefully maybe Mike and the Mayors group can channel millions to help the anti-gun candidate.

Like Mike did in the Chicago special election and promises to do nationwide.

[Enrique]

6. putting their subisidies to good use

buying politicians.