Posted on 02/18/2014 11:39:39 AM PST by cotton1706
Freshman Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Calif., announced Tuesday she will not seek re-election in California’s 35th District, instead opting for a bid for county supervisor back home in the Golden State.
“I have chosen to seek election to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and not reelection to Congress,” Negrete McLeod said in a news release. “This was a decision not made lightly. However my desire to represent this community locally, where I have lived for more than forty years, and where I have long served as an elected official, won out. My federal, state, and local experience will allow me the opportunity to effectively represent the constituents of the Fourth District.”
CQ Roll Call reported last month that Negrete McLeod, 72, was mulling a bid for San Bernadino County supervisor. Democratic officials said the position, which oversees one of the largest counties in California, has arguably more power than a sophomore member of Congress in the minority.
Negrete McLeod’s announcement came minutes after fellow Democratic Rep. Rush D. Holt of New Jersey announced his own retirement. They are the latest two in a long list of House members who will not be returning next cycle.
Last cycle, Negrete McLeod defeated former Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., in a messy general election enabled by the state’s brand-new top-two primary, which allowed for members of the same party to advance.
After initially eyeing a rematch a year ago, Baca switched to run in the neighboring 31st District in a crowded Democratic primary.
Local Democratic operatives speculated that Baca could move over to the 35th District. However, Baca told CQ Roll Call on Tuesday that he will continue his bid in the 31st.
(Excerpt) Read more at atr.rollcall.com ...
Largest county in terms of population, I assume. Oregon has some big counties—I recall that one of them has two school districts, and the larger of the two districts is bigger than New Jersey.
Probably saw little future (less power and less opportunity to make a fortune)as a member of the minority in Congress.
Run as a rat in CA, lots more opportunity.
No, in size. I believe Los Angeles county and some others around the country are larger in population. San Bernadino county is larger than many countries.
Wrong...San Berdo is the biggest county in the U.S.
Usually the patronage and kickbacks are higher at the local level too.
Thanks—I learned something new.
Politicians have to time retirement with their state’s bankruptcy.
Get out moments before implosion and then blame the successor.
High stakes musical chairs.
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