Cardenas Drops Bid for Speaker’s Post

Assemblyman Tony Cardenas abandoned his longshot bid to become Assembly speaker Monday, virtually assuring that the sole remaining candidate, Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg, will soon head the Legislature’s lower house.

Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks) would become the first San Fernando Valley legislator in a quarter-century to head the Assembly.

After several meetings with lawmakers who had urged him to pursue the powerful post, Cardenas (D-Sylmar) said he decided to endorse Hertzberg instead, to avoid what could have been a divisive fight among Democrats to succeed Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa. Cardenas also met with Hertzberg before reaching his decision.

Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), announced last month that he was stepping down next year to run for mayor of Los Angeles, and immediately threw his weight and cash behind Hertzberg, his roommate and right-hand man in Sacramento.

The move added to strong momentum for Hertzberg, who had been soliciting votes from his Assembly colleagues for months and was widely considered the front-runner.

Nevertheless, Cardenas had vowed to push on, saying he had been encouraged by other lawmakers who were put off by what they considered a deal between Villaraigosa and Hertzberg for their personal gain without their colleagues’ involvement.

Cardenas disputed assertions that Hertzberg had enough votes to become speaker and claimed loyal backing from various Democrats, including several members of the influential Latino caucus, which had helped elect Villaraigosa and his predecessor, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante.

So what changed? Cardenas said Monday that he weighed his chances, realized they were not good, and decided the potential to damage goodwill among Assembly Democrats was too great.

“In the interest of having a smooth transition, we decided we should be united behind Bob,” Cardenas said. “The bulk of it really had to do with his philosophy, what he wants to do. We realized our philosophies are quite similar.

“This should be a major momentum boost for Bob,” Cardenas added, “and it should make it clear to everyone that the [Assembly’s Democratic] caucus is united.”

Hertzberg said he was happy to have Cardenas’ endorsement, and predicted that it would mean full party backing for his speakership bid.

“I am pleased to have the support of my friend and colleague, Assemblyman Tony Cardenas, as we prepare for the coming change in leadership,” Hertzberg said. “I am honored to enjoy the confidence of a united caucus. Together, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work solving the problems faced by the people of California.”

Cardenas said he and Hertzberg had several face-to-face talks in recent weeks, one on an airplane and another last week on their Valley home turf. The Valley has not had a locally elected Assembly speaker since Democrat Bob Moretti in 1974, and both men were aware of the importance of changing that situation, Cardenas said.

There also was an understanding that Cardenas would have a position of influence when Hertzberg becomes speaker--chairmanship of a key committee or something along those lines, Cardenas said.

Hertzberg said no deals were cut.

“I see it that way,” Cardenas said. “When Bob and I have talked, he has told me about what he sees as my increasing role. I think you will see Bob take the speakership to a higher position than it has been in recent years, and I will be a part of his team.”