How can the 10th Congressional district special election impact the Governor’s race? Capitol tongues are wagging at the possibility of the special elections this Congressional race may trigger. Three of the candidates are current office holders: Lt. Governor John Garamendi, Senator Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan. If any of these candidates win, it will trigger a vacancy in their respective office.

If Lieutenant Governor Garamendi were to win the seat, the Governor would fill his vacancy by appointment. Once the Governor appoints a successor, they may be confirmed by a majority of the Senate and Assembly. If they fail to confirm, the person takes office until the remainder of the term is served. Politicos are wondering who the Governor will appoint. Will he appoint someone that could use the opportunity to run for Lt. Governor or Governor in 2010 or will he appoint a caretaker? Some of the many names being mentioned in the Capitol corridors include: Senator Abel Maldonado, Former Speaker Bob Hertzberg, former Senator and Secretary of State (by Governor’ appointment) Bruce McPherson, and current Lt. Governor candidates Senators Dean Florez and Jeff Denham.

However, if either Senator DeSaulnier or Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan were to win, it would trigger a special election in their legislative district. Once their legislative seat is vacated, the Governor will call a special election in either the Assembly or Senate district. If DeSaulnier were to win the congressional race, his fellow candidate Assemblywoman Buchannan may run for his State Senate seat. Current Assemblyman, former State Senator and Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Tom Torlakson is also in the Senate district. However, he is termed out of the Senate after serving two terms.