Politics, anyone? - politicsanyone's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Hanford man says he will run for 30th as American Independent

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:20:57 PDT

We got an e-mail from this man today announcing he will run for the 30th Assembly district (now held by outgoing Republican Danny Gilmore; Dem contestants are Pete Parra and Fran Florez; Repubs are David Valadao and Stephanie Campbell.)

The elections office in Hanford told us today he has called and asked questions but hasn't filed paperwork yet; he has until tomorrow at 5 p.m. to do so.

Here is his two-part announcement:

Subject: FW: Proposed candidacy for the 30th District State Assembly

Pardon for the few grammatical errors on my writing. I wrote very quick without proofing. There is one correction, I will be running as a newly registered American Indepence, since this is more aligned with by personal belief system.

Alfred Benavides, BA, MPA

Subject: Proposed candidacy for the 30th District State Assembly

Ms. Ginger Moorehouse,

I am proud and plead to announce my candidancy for this office. I am well qualified "Public Servant", although, not qualified to be a "Politician" as those who have entered in the race. I am educated with a Bachelors and Master In Public Administration from nearby UC campuses, I served on several Congressional Committee in San Jose, before moving back to my hometown of Hanford, CA. I was a member of the Silicon Manufacturing Group Coaliation, under Carl Gardino, Housing Commissioner, several times School Board Trustee both in San Jose and in Hanford.

I am a conservative Democrat. I am pro-life, believe that marriage is between man and woman, I will fight for increased funding to both public education and our colleges. I will fight for increased water allocation for our Valley Farmers, I will fight for non-funding for all abortions, but increased funding for foster parent payments and financial incentives for adoptions. I will fight againse age
discrimination for any qualified individual be wrongfully denied for a job position. I will fight for equal pay for women and ethnic minorities. I wil reduce the budget set for prisons and redistribute these funds to pay for financial aid for those students seeking to attend any college or university. I will fight against increased DMV fees for registration of automobiles. I will fight for increased pay raises to other elected public servants and staff, if this is seen as hypocritical when unemployment is out of range.

I will work for reduced purchases of foreign goods and increased purchase of American goods, produced by American industry. I will fight for more humane rights and health/safety of farmworkers, during the dangerous hot summer work days ( sites for shades, water, and rest ). I will fight for chartered high schools, where schools have failed to make progress. I will fight increased police, sheriff and firefighter protection. I will fight for increased cirgarette taxation, since this contribution to increased to overall medical cost. But, before any decision is to be made on any bill/proposal I will seek prayer for wisdom in all my decisions.

Sincerely,

Alfred Benavides

Pete Parra endorsed by firefighters

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:39:01 PDT

We received this from the Pete Parra Assembly campaign:

Local Firefighters Endorse Pete Parra for State Assembly

Bakersfield – Citing his years of support for public safety, Kern County Firefighters Local 1301 and Bakersfield City Firefighters Local 246 have endorsed Pete Parra for State Assembly in the 30th Assembly District.

“Pete Parra is the best choice for State Assembly – his commitment to public safety is second to none,” said Derek Robinson, President of the Kern County Firefighters. “Pete will put the interests of the Central Valley first above partisan politics or party bosses to bring good jobs to our community and get the Valley on the right track toward economic recovery.”

"I am honored to have the endorsement and support of our local firefighters," said Parra. "These hard working men and women put their lives on the line for us, and I look forward to working with them to ensure they have the tools they need to keep us safe."

Pete Parra is a lifelong resident of Kern County. He has spent his entire career focusing on job creation, water and economic development issues in the Central Valley. A former Bakersfield School Board Member and Kern County Supervisor, Parra also served as Executive Director of Employers’ Training Resource for more than two decades, where he helped thousands of local residents obtain jobs.

Dem contender for Ashburn's seat outlines his views

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:21:58 PDT

This release came from Carter Pope, a Democrat running for the state Senate seat now held by Roy Ashburn. Pope will face the Republican winner in November (Jean Fuller and Bill Maze face off in the June primary.)

PRESS RELEASE

My name is Carter Pope and I have just filed my paperwork to run for California’s 18th Senatorial District, which encompasses all or parts of Kern, Inyo, Tulare, and San Bernardino Counties.

I am new to the political arena but am confident in my ability to help California focus on common sense solutions while creating accountability for our elected officials. Our current representation spend far too much time playing politics and not enough time fighting for what is right for Californians.

When people are voted into office they are expected to work for us, their constituents. The sooner we start holding them accountable to this standard, the sooner we can fix California.

I am confident in my ability to listen to different perspectives and find a common sense solution that can satisfy all concerned. We can no longer allow our elected officials, those who we employ, free reign over our state. We can not just sit back and do nothing, while our representation continues to draw a line in the political sand and pointing fingers at one another.

We the people pay the ultimate price, it’s our neighbors, our friends, and our families who are struggling to pay their bills, struggling to put food on the table, struggling to get a good education for their children, and struggling to get ahead in life. As Einstein’s definition of insanity goes, “keep doing the same things over and over again and expect a different result”, this directly applies to politics, we keep sending the same people back to Sacramento and expect them to product different results is absolutely insane.

I believe California needs to focus on certain priorities.

#1 Job Creation, California’s unemployment rate is out of control. Our legislation needs to focus on ways to put Californians back to work.

#2 Fiscal Responsibility, we need to focus on ensuring those who have spending authority are spending wisely, their unwritten policy of “Spend it or lose it” needs to be reversed. We should reward agencies that bring a surplus back at the end of fiscal, not punish them as Sacramento currently does.

#3 Education, our children is our future. We have to invest in our children, period. Our children should not pay the price because we are afraid to hold Sacramento accountable. Teachers need the necessary tools to ensure our children have bright successful futures. It is our duties as parents, as leaders, and as good citizens to ensure the children of California has the best education possible.

#4 Protective Services. Senate District 18 is the largest land mass district in California, with a vast amount of rural areas. We need to ensure there is ample amount of emergency and protective services to ensure our citizens are safe.

Each area has other important issues to focus on as well, from water, to industry growth, to numerous others that we must address and I assure you I will address them all. I look forward to working with each of the constituents in this Senate District to help me find common sense resolutions.

Change starts today, we can either be a part of the problem or part of the solution, no longer can we sit back and do nothing, help me bring common sense and accountability to Sacramento.

Your vote to send me to Sacramento sends a loud and clear message that playing politics is no longer acceptable.

Please visit my web-site, www.commonsensepolitics2010.com or email me at forthepeople2010@verizon.net to find out how you can stand up against politics as usual.

I look forward to serving the constituents of Senate District 18 and thank you in advance for your confidence and support.

Deukmejian endorses Wyman

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:56:18 PDT

March 15, 2010

For Immediate Release

Governor Deukmejian Endorses Phil Wyman

HANFORD-Former Governor George Deukmejian has endorsed Phil Wyman for the Republican nomination for the 16th District in the Central Valley counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare.

“Phil Wyman is known as the taxpayer’s best friend and the criminal’s worst enemy,” said Deukmejian. “Phil authored tough legislation to fight crime and has a proven record as a loyal conservative Republican.”

As Senator Phil Wyman carried the “Three Strikes” law on the Senate floor and authored California’s School Uniform and anti-graffiti bills to end the influence of gangs in our Schools,” Deukmejian said.

Deukmejian, who served as Governor of California from 1983-1991, noted that Wyman was the Assembly author of the Governor’s own Death Penalty Restoration Act and is a staunch defender of Central Valley agriculture and a fighter for farming and water rights.

“I was honored to serve in the legislature while George Deukmejian was governor and I am honored today to carry his endorsement in this important election,” said Wyman.

Deukmejian expressed strong confidence in Wyman’s future service. “Check the facts. Phil Wyman’s proven record speaks for itself. That’s why I urge you to elect Phil Wyman your new State Senator,” said Deukmejian. “Phil Wyman is effective, and California needs his leadership. Above all Phil Wyman will fight hard for the Central Valley.”

--30--

Local Republican group accuses former treasurer of misappropriating funds

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:52:21 PDT

NOTE: This press release was sent around 11:30 p.m. Saturday by Martin Bertram, president of the Republican Assembly of Kern County, the local chapter of the California Republican Assembly, of which Ken Mettler is statewide president. I am making calls on this and trying to reach Mr. Stine for comment, as well as find out the amount of allegedly misappropriated funds from RAKC. Until recently Stine was supporting Mettler's campaign. He was active behind the scenes of local politics, combing through mountains of public filings — mostly, as far as I know, in search of transgresions in the Abernathy camp. Stine filed a complaint with the county elections office regarding Dean Haddock's debt (Haddock was running against Mettler for the 32nd Assembly District seat until he dropped out a few weeks back.) He also filed a complaint with the FPPC that led to Abernathy's $22,500 fine for reporting violations. Stine recently told us he is not involved in politics or campaigns any longer due to family issues.

Update, 3 p.m.: Stine told me on the advice of his attorney he has no comment.

- Gretchen Wenner, staff writer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Martin Bertram

FORMER TREASURER OF THE REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY OF KERN COUNTY HAS BEEN ACCUSED BY THE GROUP’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ALLEGEDLY EMBEZZLING FUNDS;

Following the appointment of a new board of directors, and prompted by a lack of sufficient financial reporting by the Treasurer at the time, Paul Stine, the board determined to conduct a complete financial audit. At the same time, Paul Stine stepped down as Treasurer and shortly afterward admitted to his wrong doing. Having completed the audit, the R.A.K.C. board of directors have turned this matter over to the Bakersfield Police Department.

“The Conscience of the Republican Party”
Fiscal and Social Conservatives
www.RepublicanAssemblyofKernCounty.com

##############

Wyman announced Bill Jones endorsement

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:42:09 PDT

Wyman for Senate, 2010
1830 Truxtun Ave, Ste 216
Bakersfield, CA 93301

March 15, 2010

For Immediate Release

Bill Jones Endorses Phil Wyman
“When the going gets tough…I know we can count on Phil Wyman,” Jones.

HANFORD—Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State, has endorsed Phil Wyman’s race for the 16th Senatorial District representing the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare.

“I worked side by side with Phil Wyman enacting California’s Three Strikes Law. When the going gets tough, particularly on water, tax and spending issues, I know we can count on Phil Wyman,” said Jones. “Phil is the taxpayers best friend and the criminal’s worst enemy.”

Wyman has stressed water, jobs and crime issues in his campaign.
--30--

Pease out!

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:07:12 PST

Taft College Professor Harold Pease has annouced he will not run for the Republican nomination for the 32nd Assembly seat.

He cited financial constraints as the reason for his exit.

What will/should Dean Florez do next?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:54:46 PST

Now that Dean Florez has dropped out of the lieutenant governor's race, my next story will ask the question: "What will/should he do next?" I'll be asking Florez and others.

What do you all think?

— Government editor Christine Bedell

Dean Florez out of Lt. Gov. race

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:25:44 PST

Dean Florez texted us today to let us know he's backing Gavin Newsom for California Lt. Governor.

Florez, he wrote, will step out of the race but is "still in the fight and will keep working to elect great leaders to move CA forward in Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris statewide.”

Today was the nomination filing deadline for the race.

Mary K. Shell endorses Mettler for Assembly

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:33:35 PST

Mary K. Shell, former Bakersfield mayor and Kern County supervisor, has endorsed Ken Mettler for the 32nd Assembly District seat, according to the Mettler campaign.

"Ken Mettler is the type of bold, conservative leader we need right now in Sacramento," she said in a statement. "California can no longer afford passive representatives while our state spirals down a fiscal black hole. Ken Mettler has a record of standing up for Kern County values and is the representative we need at this critical time."

Nurses endorse Fran Florez for Assembly

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:29:08 PST

From the Florez campaign:

Shafter, CA - Fran Florez, current State Commissioner, former Mayor of Shafter and Democratic State Assembly candidate, announced the endorsement of the California Nurses Association (CNA) – a premiere organization representing registered nurses throughout California and the nation.

“I’m honored to have the support of the California Nurses Association. Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, who provide important hands on patient care for the sick and needy in our community. For years our more rural areas have had a difficult time recruiting and retaining top notch nursing staff. In Sacramento, I’ll fight to enforce patient to staff ratios, appropriate scope of practice, tougher penalties for hospitals that violate patient to staff ratios and increase funding for local nursing education programs that will encourage and grow the next generation of nurses,” said Florez.

The California Nurses Association and the National Nurses Organizing Committee are members of the AFL-CIO. They are leaders in promoting quality care for patients and improved healthcare conditions across California and the United States.

Big rollers of political spending: report

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:06:05 PST

The California Fair Political Practices Commission just released a report on the top political spenders in the state over the past decade. The basics are pasted in below, and you can download the full report here under "Big Money Talks."

Over $1 Billion Spent by 15 Special Interest Groups on Political Campaigns and Lobbying Efforts

Today the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), the state’s political watchdog agency, released a new report detailing how 15 wealthy special interests spent more than $1 billion throughout the last ten years in an attempt to shape public policy by influencing California’s voters and public officials.

The report, “Big Money Talks,” details the staggering amounts of money these interest groups spent on candidates, ballot measures and lobbying efforts, since electronic filing went into effect in 2000. Included in this list are six corporations, three Indian tribes, two labor unions and four business associations.

“This tsunami of special interest spending drowns out the voices of average voters, and intimidates political opponents and elected officials alike," said FPPC Chairman Ross Johnson.

These five interests are responsible for over half of the $1 billion spent by the top 15:

· California Teachers Association—$211,849,298

· California State Council of Service Employees—$107,467,272

· Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America—$104,912,997

· Morongo Band of Mission Indians—$83,600,438

· Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians—$69,298,909

“The message from special interests is unmistakable—that they're willing to spend millions of dollars to protect their narrow interests," Johnson continued. “The spending also serves as a warning to officeholders: 'Don't forget, we can use our money to help or hurt you. Think about it.'”

The complete report is available on the Commission’s website and the list follows.

The Top 15 That Spent $1 Billion to Influence California Voters and Public Officials

1) California Teachers Association: $211,849,298

2) California State Council of Service Employees: $107,467,272

3) Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America: $104,912,997

4) Morongo Band of Mission Indians: $83,600,438

5) Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians: $69,298,909

6) Pacific Gas & Electric Company: $69,240,759

7) Chevron Corporation: $66,257,132

8) AT&T Inc: $59,619,677

9) Philip Morris USA Inc: $50,756,360

10) Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians: $49,078,448

11) Southern California Edison: $43,412,031

12) California Hospital Association: $43,281,456

13) California Chamber of Commerce: $39,065,861

14) Western States Petroleum Association: $35,214,325

15) Aera Energy LLC: $34,671,163

Total of Top 15: $1,067,726,126

The Next Ten

16) California Association of Realtors: $33,329,943

17) California Correctional Peace Officers Association: $32,452,083

18) California School Employees Association: $31,861,749

19) San Manuel Band of Mission Indians: $29,747,811

20) Reynolds American Inc.: $29,213,942

21) Pala Band of Mission Indians: $24,021,356

22) United Auburn Indian Community: $24,019,877

23) California Medical Association: $23,064,218

24) Anthem Blue Cross: $21,993,466

25) Consumer Attorneys of California: $21,294,921

Total of Next 10: $270,999,366

GRAND TOTAL OF ALL 25: $1,338,725,492

# # #

Ashburn brings San Fran to Bakersfield

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:46 PST

When us folks up here in the Californian newsroom heard them big-city folks from the San Francisco Chronicle was a'coming to Bakersfield to do them a story 'bout Roy Ashburn being gay, well we got a mite curious about what they was a'gonna say.

See, when them big city papers come to town they always go a'hunting for just the right words to de-scribe little 'ol Bakersfield to their folks up there in the Bay Area or down there in Los Angeles.

Sur-e-nough, they done come up with a humdinger or two. You can get a lookie-see right here.

All kidding aside, trying to distill the essence of a large city like Bakersfield out of a short visit to the stereotypical Bakersfield locales (Trout's anyone?) and then deliver it to readers with a few short phrases is a daunting task for a writer.

In my 16 years in the business I have certainly fallen prey to the impulse to blow into a town I know little about, look around a bit, talk to the people who obviously have something to say and then rush back to my desk and attempt to Steinbeck the soul of the place I just visited into a single sentence.

What do you all think of how our town is viewed through San Francisco eyes?

- staff writer James Burger

Roy Ashburn: "I am gay"

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:43:35 PST

State Sen. Roy Ashburn confirmed Monday morning what's been rumored for years, especially since his drunken driving arrest last Wednesday: he's gay.

"I am gay and so those are the words that have been difficult for me for so long," he told talk radio show host Inga Barks on KERN Newstalk 1180.

Responding to allegations he's been a hypocrite for consistently voting against gay rights, Ashburn said he voted the will of his district.

"I believe firmly that my responsibility is to my constituents," Ashburn said. He sidestepped the question of whether he agreed with those votes.

Ashburn said he had to come out because there were so many questions surrounding his arrest on two misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 percent.

A Sacramento television station quoted unnamed sources as saying Ashburn had been at a gay night club the night he was arrested.

"My own actions the other night point to where was I? What were the actions I engaged in?" he said. Ashburn and Barks did not get into the details of what happened the night he was arrested; the state senator just took responsibility for drinking and driving.

Ashburn said he had no complaints about how the media have treated him since his arrest, admitting "I did this."

Ashburn said the issue of his orientation was the reason he did not run for the 20th Congressional District GOP primary this year.

He also asked people to pray for him.

— Government editor Christine Bedell

Florez press conference on SmartMeters Monday...

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:02:18 PST

Dean Florez's office just sent this release. Seems like it's been so long since we've had a Florez press conference! Nostalgia!

I'm posting this because SmartMeters are of keen interest to many Bakersfield residents. And Florez's feisty language is often fun political theater in itself.

The press conference is at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Monday). We'll send someone and have an update for you after.

- Gretchen Wenner, staff writer

Arrived 5:31 p.m. Sunday:

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2010

Florez decries Smart Meter foot dragging by PG&E, CPUC

Utility avoids testing even as they speed new installations, renewing call for moratorium

BAKERSFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) will hold a news conference Monday morning in Bakersfield, to find out why -- five months after it was promised -- no testing has been completed on the “Smart Meters” blamed for outrageous utility bill spikes in the Valley.

Florez will address both PG&E, which has recently announced it is actually speeding up the installation of so-called Smart Meters even as consumers and legislators await answers regarding their accuracy, and the California Public Utilities Commission, which allowed continued installations and has seemingly done little to resolve the concerns of the public they represent.

The CPUC agreed in October that testing of Smart Meters was not only necessary but that the sheer volume of complaints about billing abnormalities constituted an extraordinary circumstance which justified expedited contracting of an independent contractor to conduct accuracy testing. At the same time, they rejected Senator Florez’s call for a moratorium on installations pending testing.

“Given the decision of PG&E to speed up installations even as the company drag its feet on hiring someone to conduct accuracy testing, in flagrant disregard for the order of the PUC, I think the PUC owes it to consumers to revisit their earlier decision and disallow further installations until we know these meters work.”

Florez is further disturbed by contradictory statements by top PG&E staff, with a senior spokesman taking to the airwaves of NBC to say billing irregularities were caused by old meters running slow, while another senior director told CBS that representatives should not be using this rationale.

“I find it hard to believe a company of this size would under-collect so egregiously for so many years without anyone ever noticing something was wrong,” Florez said. “If they want to continue hiding behind this blame-the-old-meters claim, I want to see test results for both the digital and non-digital meters that support what they are saying.”

Florez held several district hearings last fall to look into outrageous spikes in PG&E bills following the installation of Smart Meters. Makers of these new digital meters claim they will make it possible for homeowners to track and adjust their energy usage to save both resources and money.

In reality, some Valley residents have seen their bills triple – or worse – even after buying energy-saving appliances and, in some cases, when homes were vacant. The biggest savings recognized so far has been to PG&E, who were able to lay off numerous meter readers.

# # #

Ashburn formally charged with DUI

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:24:54 PST

The Sacramento County District Attorney's office formally charged state Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, with drunk driving Thursday. We've received the charging documents.

Prosecutors charged him with two misdemeanors, driving a vehicle under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. The Sacramento D.A.'s office has said his blood alcohol level was .14 percent.

Also released was a CHP report about Ashburn's arrest early Wednesday morning. It says Ashburn's vehicle was seen stopping several times when there wasn't debris or traffic in its path and seen straddling the No. 2 and 3 lanes of 15th Street north of L Street in Sacramento.

It goes on to say Ashburn's vehicle, a black Chevrolet Tahoe belonging to the state, stopped at a red light at the intersection with L Street "waiting to make a right turn for approximately one minute without any cross traffic."

The vehicle then made a right turn and straddled the No. 2 and 3 lanes of L Street, the CHP report says.

Check out this cool database of state lawmaker votes

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:50:11 PST

The Sacramento Bee has published on its website a database showing how all state lawmakers have been voting on bills.

Here's how the Bee describes it:

For the first time, you can look up the voting record of every state legislator in California. Wondering how often your legislator broke party ranks, abstained or switched sides? Enter the last and first name of the lawmaker you're researching to see how he or she voted, or enter a bill number to see how every legislator voted on it.

I'm just now taking a look...

— Government editor Christine Bedell

Have any questions for Meg Whitman?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:51:52 PST

Hi, Politics, anyone? readers.

Meg Whitman's coming to town Tuesday evening for a town hall meeting and we have a few minutes to talk to her beforehand. Do you have any questions you'd like to see her answer?

— Government editor Christine Bedell

Mary Beth Garrison campaign holding volunteer effort.

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:21:46 PST

2nd District Supervisor candidate Mary Beth Garrison is having her campaign volunteers clean up graffti in Bakersfield this Saturday

Here's the press release from Garrison's campaign:

On Saturday, February 27th, the Campaign to Elect Mary Beth Garrison will kick off Tithing Our Time, a community service program reflecting the candidate’s belief in public service. A volunteer for more than 30 years, Garrison believes that giving back to the community is not just a good idea, it’s the best way to lead.
“Beginning Saturday, February 27th, Tithing Our Time will carve out 10% of the weekend volunteer campaign hours to do community service projects throughout the expansive 2nd District,” said Garrison. “Right now, we have projects planned in Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Rosamond and Mojave.”
On Saturday at 10:00 AM, Tithing Our Time volunteers will kick-off the effort in Bakersfield. The team will meet at Planz Park (corner of South H and Planz Road) to paint over several graffiti-covered community walls, west of the railroad tracks off Planz Road between Laurel Drive and Sandra Drive. (In case of rain, the graffiti eradication project will be postponed.)
Once the graffiti is eradicated, the team will pick up trash and illegal dumping in vacant lots on Berkshire and McCutcheon Roads, between Mountain Ridge Drive and Ashe Road. (Trash pick-up will take place rain or shine.) Both projects fall within the District 2 County boundaries.
The concept behind Tithing Our Time is simple. “I was brought up to value volunteering. From the time I was in junior high school, I was raising money for the American Cancer Society and working to save a lake from excessive pollution. It’s who I am. I want my campaign to reflect that same passion for community service.”
The Tithing Our Time team hopes to donate more than 40 hours of volunteer time during the first weekend. The effort will continue with more illegal dumping and graffiti clean-up projects, as well as a visit to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter and a morning spent with High School Robotic Club students in Tehachapi.
“There are so many great ways to give of your time. The opportunities are endless.”

Rubio looks ready to run

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:50:49 PST

Casey Christie snapped this photo of Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio Thursday as he filed nomination signatures with the Kern County Elections Department for his 16th Senate campaign.

He looks serious about that whole "running for office" thing.