Scott Announces Bid for Schiff’s Post

As widely expected, Assemblyman Jack Scott (D-Altadena) formally announced Monday that he will seek the state Senate seat being vacated by Adam Schiff, setting up a bitter primary fight between Scott and Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-Los Angeles) for the post.

Scott, a former president of Pasadena City College who is known for his strong views on higher education and gun control, made his announcement at a breakfast rally in Pasadena before 150 supporters, including former state Atty. Gen. John Van de Kamp, several local city leaders and school board members.

He said in an interview afterward that he would focus on his experience as an education leader and effectiveness as a legislator to differentiate himself from Wildman, who, he concedes, has a very similar voting record.

Both lawmakers are in their second two-year terms in the Assembly, and therefore could run for only one more term in the lower house before being forced out by term limits. Hence, they are competing for the primary nomination to seek the Senate seat being vacated by the Burbank Democrat, who is running for Congress against incumbentRepublican Rep. James E. Rogan.

“I brought to the Legislature a lot more years of experience, being president of Cypress College and Pasadena City College,” Scott said.

“In the Legislature, I have led the Assembly in the numbers of bills I have been able to pass, so I think my effectiveness speaks for itself. From my years as college president, I know how to reach consensus and bring people together.”