George Runner served in the State Assembly and then in the State Senate. When he moved to the State Senate his wife was elected to his former State Assembly seat. George Runner was elected to the California Board of Equalization in November and therefore resigned from the State Senate. When Sharon Runner was termed out of office she was appointed to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, a job that pays in the six figures.

Sharon Runner is now a candidate in the special election to replace George Runner.

The district has in it Antelope Valley and parts of Ventura County including Piru, Santa Paula and Fillmore. The district leans heavily to the Republicans and with her name recognition, party registration advantage, and financial support she is clearly expected to win.

I appreciate that people like Darren Parker put their name and reputation in the public arena. Their willingness to take on such challenges gives voters choices that would otherwise be denied to them.

If Democrats win this seat they staff members and volunteers will become legends in progressive politics.

Here is the current status of the State Senate by party affiliation. The large gray area is this district.

I am interviewing Darren Parker using the comments section of this blog. I will post questions for him and when he answers I will post more.

Here is his FaceBook page:

http://www.facebook.com/darrenparkerforstatesenate