CPF

CPF Again Enjoys Success in June 3rd Primary Election

Despite a low turnout, Californians who voted in the June 3rd primary election made it clear that public safety remains a top priority and that they will support candidates who support firefighters.

As it has in the past, CPF again enjoyed an enviable record of success in helping elect endorsed candidates. CPF-endorsed candidates for State Senate and Assembly seats won more than 90 percent of the time, including several high-profile contests on both sides of the aisle. In addition, voters backed CPF positions on the two statewide propositions on the ballot, defeating Proposition 98 and approving Proposition 99.

A few of the high-priority successes:

AD 71 (Republican) - This district straddling Riverside and Orange Counties saw Corona Mayor Jeff Miller handily beat Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Neil Blais. Miller was strongly supported by Corona Firefighters Association Local 3757. "Jeff Miller has been a strong advocate for Corona Firefighters," said Local 3757 President Jim Steiner. "Supporting him was an easy call for firefighters."

AD 60 (Republican) -- In a district that covers portions of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, Chino Hills Mayor Curt Hagman beat an Orange County water board member. "Curt Hagman has always maintained a close working relationship with us and has been extremely supportive of our efforts," said Pete Roebuck, president of Chino Valley Professional Firefighters Local 3522.

SD 23 (Democrat) - This Santa Monica and Malibu district was thought to be highly competitive, but with CPF's help, it turned into a cakewalk for former Assemblywoman Fran Pavley. "It's about knowing that a candidate 'gets it,'" said Jon McDuffie, First Vice President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112. "When you sit down with Fran Pavley to discuss issues that affect firefighters and paramedics, there's never that lag time when you're waiting for the bulb of recognition to light up."

AD 8 (Democratic) -- Another CPF-endorsed candidate, Yolo County Supervisor Mariko Yamada, was a surprise winner over West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon in the Democratic primary for the 8th Assembly District, which includes portions of Yolo and Solano Counties.

"These races are good examples of why we want our locals to be involved in the political process," said CPF President Lou Paulson. "If an elected official backs firefighters at the local level, chances are they'll be on our side as a state assembly member or senator."