2010 promises to be an exciting year for Democrats across California. The California Democratic Party kicks off this crucial election year with its annual State Convention, heading back to Los Angeles for the first time in five years. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Barbara Boxer, Attorney General Jerry Brown, The Honorable Hilda L. Solis and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be among the featured speakers.
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The convention takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and JW Marriott at LA Live facility in downtown Los Angeles. For a full convention agenda, speakers list, information on lodging and registration go to: www.cademconvention.com.
Since most of our readers may not be able to attend, we want you to know that we will be there to cover the event. Several of our blog team members are delegates so we will have some first hand coverage. Leading our coverage team is Deborah White. Deborah is a State Party Delegate from the 72nd Assembly district. I will be there too throughout the weekend as well.
So far, the two major areas of contention are around the endorsements for State Constitutional Offices. There is a bit of a knock-down-drag-out battle between LA City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and SanFrancisco Mayor Gavin Newsom over the endorsement for Lt. Governor. Newsom entered the race late, but because of his better statewide name recognition is pushing hard to either prevent a party endorsement or even claim it outright. We are hearing of push back from Janice Hahn’s camp with charges of “the good old boys” trying to prevent a woman from getting the endorsement.
The other contentious race is for Insurance Commissioner between Hector De La Tore and Dave Jones. I am hearing from OC Delegates mixed emotions over who to choose. Both candidates for this lower profile position are well liked by the delegates.
Should be interesting. Balloting will take place from 3 pm till 8 pm, with the results being announced in general session on Sunday. Keep checking back. We will update as often as we can.