Tuesday, November 5, 2013

California State Senator Ron Calderon Should Resign | California Progress Report

California State Senator Ron Calderon Should Resign | California Progress Report:

California State Senator Ron Calderon Should Resign

Posted on 05 November 2013
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By Dean Preston
Tenants Together
Assemblymember Christina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) deserves credit for being the first state legislator to call on Senator Ron Calderon (D – Montebello) to resignfollowing the release last week of evidence that Calderon accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from an FBI agent as part of an undercover operation. Senator Calderon would be well advised to heed the call or face an escalating campaign from constituents, activists and colleagues who have lost faith in his ability to govern with any credibility.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D – Sacramento) quickly acted to remove Calderon from the Film Commission on which he sits. Editorial boards have begun urging Steinberg to strip Calderon of committee assignments. This would a sharp rebuke and appropriate blow to a Senator who previously wielded significant power through his committee assignments.
If Senator Rod Wright (D – Inglewood) is any indication, the fact that Calderon should resign does not mean that he will. Three years ago Wright was indicted on voter fraud and perjury charges. He has managed to delay trial repeatedly. Last spring, he actually argued for a continuance of trial because of the busy legislative season, a particular affront to voters 


National education reform advocate sought Calderon's influence | Al Jazeera America
National education reform advocate sought Calderon's influence | Al Jazeera America: National education reform advocate sought Calderon'€™s influenceby Trevor Aaronson October 31, 2013  5:41PM ETA private meeting with lobbyists for Michelle Rhee occurred before the CA state senator sponsored education reform billTopics: Politics Crime Law & JusticeDanny Moloshok/UPI/LandovSACRAMENTO, Calif.