FBI’s Ron Calderon probe has lawmakers feeling somber

SACRAMENTO -- The FBI raid of the offices of state Sen. Ron Calderon (D-Montebello) on Tuesday sent a chill over the state Capitol the day after.

Normally talkative lawmakers were somber and declined to comment on the investigation, while others worried about its effect on public confidence in state government.

“Things like this are never good to read about,” said Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles). “The public already doesn’t have us in high esteem.”

IN DEPTH: Calderon targeted by FBI

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) was also grim.

“I’m really disappointed to read about this,” he said of the investigation. “There is no greater crime as an elected official than betraying the public trust.”

Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) said he had no inkling that something might have been going on with Calderon that drew the attention of the FBI.

“Ron’s a friend. I’m praying for him and his family,” Cannella said.

Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo) said he was in the dark about the investigation. “We’ll wait for the facts.”

Meanwhile Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles) hoped the investigation would not be a distraction from work that needs to be done by the Legislature this month.

“The entire Capitol community should take any investigation seriously and cooperate fully, and the Assembly will do just that,” Perez said in a statement. “We also all have to focus on the work before us. We will continue working with our Senate colleagues to pass the budget and proceed with the people’s business.”

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com