San Gabriel Valley : Lawmaker to Face Friend in Primary

In an unusual case of “who needs enemies when you’ve got friends like these,” Assemblywoman Diane Martinez of Monterey Park is facing a challenge in the Democratic primary from a longtime supporter and major campaign contributor after she sponsored a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicides.

Alhambra developer Benjamin “Frank” Venti, 58, helped Martinez during her last two successful campaigns and contributed $13,600 worth of rent and other services.

But on Tuesday, Venti, a self-described observant Catholic, launched a bid for her seat, citing her support for assisted suicides. “Diane Martinez is in Sacramento trying to kill people,” Venti told seniors at Alhambra Gardens retirement home as campaign workers passed out pins with the slogan, “Vote Venti Save Your Life.”

Martinez replied that Venti is a religious fanatic. “We have a separation of church and state so people like Mr. Venti cannot impose their views on others,” she said.

Although she withdrew the “Death with Dignity bill” after introducing it last year, Martinez said she will reintroduce it if the Democrats take control of the Assembly again. . . .