North Coast Democratic power players endorse Lehman

◼ Boasting the endorsements of some of Humboldt County's most noteworthy politicos, Chris Lehman announced Monday his candidacy for the seat representing the North Coast in the state Senate that is being vacated by Noreen Evans next year. - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

In statements released endorsing Lehman, some well-known Humboldt politicians raved about him. Chesbro called him an “unwavering defender of our region's” natural resources and environment; Lovelace called him “the right person to represent us here on the North Coast” and Berg said he will make a “remarkable Senator for our region” at a time when the interests of “our district have been too often overlooked in Sacramento.”

While Lehman's not a household name in his home county, much less throughout the state's expansive 2nd Senate District, Emenaker said Lehman's widely known among the power players of the Democratic party, both in and out of Humboldt County.

◼ Journal Interviews Chris Lehman, Your Fresh-Faced Candidate for State Senate - Ryan Burns/The Journal
◼ Meet Your Next State Senator: Chris Lehman Announces, Basically Already Wins Bid to Succeed Noreen Evans - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ MATTHEW IN THE MIDDLE: I Hate State Politics - Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt: Chesbro Seeks Another Term

◼ Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D) announced Sept. 5 that he will seek re-election to the State Assembly in the new North Coast District 2. - Arcata Eye

◼ 2012 Elex Update: Chezz Clear, Fennell In, Evans Out? - Hank Sims at Lost Coast Outpost

From the Napa Valley Register and the Pee-Dee (Press Democrat), news that Assm. Michael Allen (D-Santa Rosa) is hightailing it out of town rather than go head-to-head with our man Wes “The Chezz” Chesbro — showing, once again, that even an assistant majority leader is no match for the unstoppable juggernaut that is the Chezz.

Gov. Brown sticks with "tax extension" plan

◼ Releasing revisions to his budget proposal Monday, Brown continued to argue -- in the face of Republican opposition and increasing state revenues -- that extending tax increases is the best way to bring the state's beleaguered budget into balance. - Times-Standard

Brown's plan now goes to legislators, who have until June 15 to pass a spending plan and send it back to the governor for his signature.

North Coast representatives Sen. Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, and Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata, both offered lukewarm responses to Brown's proposal Monday, with Evans even going so far as to question whether she could support the Democratic governor's plan as it includes the closing of a host of state parks within her district.