Garrick to be elected Assembly Republican leader today

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-Solana Beach) is expected to be elected Assembly Republican leader at a meeting today of the Assembly Republican Caucus.

Garrick secured the support of his caucus Friday night after Assemblywoman Connie Conway (R-Tulare) dropped her candidacy.

Garrick will take over for Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo), who has held the job since May. A Garrick spokesman said the timing of the leadership transition is still being coordinated with Blakeslee’s office.

Some of that timing may depend on the political future of Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s choice for lieutenant governor. The Legislature has until Feb. 22 to reject Maldonado’s appointment. If Maldonado becomes lieutenant governor, he would vacate his Senate seat and Blakeslee would run for Maldonado’s Senate seat, potentially accelerating the timeline for the transfer of power in the Assembly.

Garrick will become the third new legislative leader elected in the last six weeks. Earlier this month, Assemblyman John Perez (D-Los Angeles) was elected Assembly speaker. Senate Republicans chose Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) as their next leader last week.

--Anthony York in Sacramento