To the outrage of many Democrats, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger does not plan to consolidate the special election to fill GOP Sen. Abel Maldonado’s Senate seat with the November general election. Maldonado plans to resign his seat today, April 27, after being sworn in as lieutenant governor.
Because the Legislature waited until last week to confirm Maldonado, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had the option of combining the special election with the November 2, 2010 general election. Many Democrats prefer that option, believing that a higher turnout would increase their chances of winning the seat and that it would be unwise for the state to spend $2.5 – 3 million on a special election.
The governor stated that with the looming budget battle, it’s his responsibility to fill the seat and have a full complement of legislators as soon as possible.
.Is Two Always Better Than One?
