Portantino set to run for congressional seat in 2012

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Sacramento Bee

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino will lay the groundwork for a 2012 congressional campaign with a Sacramento fundraiser next week.

The Southern California Democrat has not officially announced his candidacy, but e-mail invitations tout Tuesday's event as his "Official Congressional Campaign Sacramento Kick Off."

Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge, will be termed out of the Assembly in 2012 and plans to run for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. David Dreier, chairman of the House Rules Committee.

Portantino's Sacramento fundraiser will be at the home of Jay Hansen, chief strategy officer for the California Medical Association. Supporters are asked to contribute $50 to $500.

Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/02/portantino-set-to-run-for-cong.html

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President Obama carried this district in 2008, so even without redrawing it, it certainly has the potential of being competitive with the right candidate.

[JDPriestly]

1. Portantino is a strong candidate, well known in the community.

I have personally talked to him a number of times, and it was always a delight to see him again.

Good luck to Portantino.

[David__77]

2. Should be our seat.

I honestly cannot imagine a scenario where our numbers go down. The 2001 redistricting was terrible. The state assembly may be harder, but we should still break even. I think 3-4 congressional seats is doable.