Most, but not all, Kern lawmakers support Maldonado's confirmation
| Thursday, Feb 11 2010 06:39 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Feb 11 2010 06:40 PM
Three of Kern County's state lawmakers voted to confirm Abel Maldonado's nomination for lieutenant governor Thursday, the exception being state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter.
That came as no surprise not only because Florez and Maldonado are in many opposing camps but because a Lt. Gov. Maldonado would likely have a better chance winning the seat over the Democratic nominee in November. And Florez is running to be that Democratic nominee.
But Florez cited myriad different reasons for voting no including: He was "surprised and disappointed" to learn Maldonado had admitted to a number of OSHA violations tied to his farming company; Maldonado voted against liability for farm operators when, "under the circumstances we know now," he should have recused himself; and Maldonado has voted against air quality for the Central Valley and health-care reform.
"The question for me was whether I would have supported Senator Maldonado if he was on the ballot," Florez said in a statement. "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."
State Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, said he supported the Santa Maria Republican's nomination because the governor "should have the opportunity to select a person" and Maldonado "is well-qualified to be lieutenant governor."
He criticized Florez's criticism, saying if he's had so many concerns about Maldonado's voting record and ethical behavior he should have raised them earlier.
"It's a greater conflict of interest to try to manipulate a confirmation to arrange for an easier election," Ashburn said of Florez.
Assembly members Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield, and Danny Gilmore, R-Hanford, voted to confirm Maldonado.
"As a hard working farmer from Santa Maria, who also has extensive legislative experience, Senator Maldonado would serve the people of California well," Fuller said in a statement.
Gilmore, battling pneumonia, traveled from his home in Hanford to Sacramento to vote for Maldonado, the Sacramento Bee reported.
