Chuck Poochigian

Known in the Capitol as a straight shooter and law-and-order conservative, Poochigian hopes to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Armenian American, George Deukmejian, the former Republican attorney general and governor. With far less name recognition than Brown, Poochigian is highlighting what he sees as an appalling amount of crime in Oakland under Brown's leadership. In the Legislature, Poochigian has backed tougher penalties for sexual predators, gun-toting felons and identity thieves. He also has opposed legislative efforts to roll back the state's "three strikes" law.