Representing His District: Abel Maldonado—The Only Republican Senator So Far to Vote for the California State Budget

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Randy Bayne
THE BAYNE OF BLOG'S CALIFORNIA NOTES

State Senator Abel Maldonado understands his roots. He has a grasp on who put him in office and who can take him out. He may not curry favor with the party bosses, but he will with his bosses. His is the lone Republican vote in the Senate for passage of the state budget. It has not curried favor with the party bosses, but will with his bosses.

Having lived in San Luis Obispo County several years ago and being active in local politics, I think I can say from experience that legislators who represent this area have more to fear from their constituents than they do from their party. The people of the central coast, whether they be Republicans or Democrats are very independent, and they respect the independence their representatives show. Maldonado is their kind of politician.

Fiercely independent, Maldonado's future is secure, as far as voters in his district are concerned. That is what has allowed him to do the right thing and vote for a budget that everyone can find something wrong with. His party bosses may punish him, but Maldonado is confident in being rewarded by voters.

This is the same area where State Schools Superintendent Jack O'Connell rose to political prominence by garnering the support of both Republicans and Democrats. Though a Democrat, O'Connell serves in an officially non-partisan office. During his time representing Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties in the legislature, he was immensely popular, and continues to enjoy that popularity today. Only now, the scope of his popularity has broadened.