By Rachel Kapochunas CQ Staff
Published: 02-25-09
While Congress delayed confirmation of Democrat Hilda L. Solis as Labor secretary two front-runners emerged to succeed her in Californias 32nd District: state Sen. Gil Cedillo and Judy Chu chairwoman of the State Board of Equalization.
When President Obama tapped Solis for the post in December multiple Hispanic candidates were floated as potential successors to Solis who is also Hispanic. State political observers suggested the Hispanic vote could be split to such a degree that Chu who is Asian-American and the only non-Hispanic candidate mentioned would have an edge. The district is 62 percent Hispanic 18 percent Asian and 15 percent white.
But the Hispanic field has since narrowed to Cedillo though some members of the Latino community such as state assemblyman Ed Hernandez and city council members have endorsed Chu.
Democrat Emanuel Pleitez a former member of Obamas transition team is also vying for the seat and is Hispanic but he is dwarfed by his competitors in terms of political experience.
When asked Monday if there is a desire to continue Hispanic representation in the district Cedillo told CQ Politics: Absolutely. Theres no question about it." He added There is also that question: that with such a large population of Hispanics . . . why wouldnt they be able to elect someone they wanted to from the community?"
Cedillo noted he has also been a champion for the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Chu has also publicly emphasized her crossover appeal.
Many members of Congress have taken sides in the race. Chu touts endorsements from nine House members eight of whom are from California: Anna G. Eshoo Lynn Woolsey Brad Sherman Mike Thompson Jane Harman Adam B. Schiff Doris Matsui and Jackie Speier .
Cedillo received endorsements from California Reps. Xavier Becerra Grace F. Napolitano Lucille Roybal-Allard and Linda T. Sanchez .
The candidates have also been angling for support from the labor community which is expected to wield some influence in the race. Prior to his service in the state Senate Cedillo managed the Los Angeles County chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Chu has already secured endorsements from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and SEIU but Cedillo said he believes union households will stand by his campaign and noted hes gone up against labor-establishment candidates in the past and found success.
Chus campaign consultant Parke Skelton argued Cedillo simply isnt known in the district. Chu has the relationships she knows the issues and shes proven that shes delivered in the San Gabriel Valley" Skelton said Monday. Cedillo is a guy who doesnt represent a precinct of this district and doesnt live in it."
Skelton added that Chu has appeared on 32nd District voters ballots at least 10 times in the past.
But Cedillo laughed off the suggestion he doesnt have a high profile in the district.
People know me for over 20 years leading fights to protect jobs and create jobs and as a result of that Im a household name" he said adding that his name recognition across the state has been boosted by radio Spanish-language media and electronic media.
The Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Solis as Labor secretary. Solis sent letters dated the same day to Speaker Nancy Pelosi D-Calif. and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger informing them of her resignation from her House seat.
Solis was sworn in to her Cabinet post Tuesday evening in a ceremony held in the House Education and Labor Committees room.
Schwarzenegger will issue a proclamation to set a special election date which may occur in late June or early July. Candidates of all parties will run on the special election ballot. If one candidate receives a majority of the votes he or she will be declared the outright winner. If no candidate receives a majority the top vote-getter of each party will advance to a special general election.
But the first-round election likely will decide the race because a Democrat is strongly favored to hold the seat. District voters in November supported Obama over Republican John McCain 68 percent to 30 percent and Republicans failed to field a candidate against Solis in her last three re-election contests. No major Republicans have announced their intentions to run in the special election.
