REPORT: Openly Gay CA Assembly Speaker John Perez Up For Secretary Of Labor

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, openly gay California Assembly Speaker John Perez is on the short list to replace Hilda Solis, who resigned as Secretary of Labor last month. If chosen and approved, Perez would become the first-ever gay member of a presidential cabinet.  Typical for these situations, Perez is being cagey about his prospects.

"Look, I'm always flattered if somebody thinks my work is worthy of other consideration, but I'm focused on being speaker for these next two years," he told The Bee. "And continuing to build back our economy, and continuing to build on the fiscal discipline that we've created here in California. And getting people back to work." There'd be a decidedly ironic element to such an appointment. Perez's cousin, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who'll also be termed out later this year, also has been casting around for another office to keep his up-and-down political career going.

Villaraigosa, who is personally close to Obama, had reportedly been seeking a Cabinet position himself, such as secretary of transportation. But that's not happening, for whatever reason - perhaps because he got himself photographed palling with Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen at the latter's opening of a new bar in Cabo San Lucas. It was not Villaraigosa's first foray into tabloid notoriety. The mayor is now publicly boosting Perez for the Cabinet. "I heard my cousin by the way is on the list and I'm glad he is. I've said to a number of people he would make a great secretary of labor," Villaraigosa said in an online chat, adding, "I wish him luck."

Perez will be term-limited out of the Assembly in 2014.

California Assemblywomen Comes Out

California Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani has come out as lesbian, making her the eighth openly gay member of the state legislature.

Galgiani, D-Livingston, said that by coming out now, she hopes to send a positive message to young people who are struggling to come to terms with their sexual identity. "It sickens me that young people would think about taking their lives because of who they are," Galgiani said. Galgiani, 47, said it was not until well into adulthood, after she was elected to represent the 17th Assembly District in 2006, that she knew she was gay.

Galgiani will be term-limited out of office next year and plans to then run for the state Senate.

CALIFORNIA: Prop 8 Attorney Andy Pugno LOSES Race For State Assembly

Protect Marriage lead attorney Andy Pugno has lost his bid for the California Assembly, despite the heavy backing of NOM. Icing on the cake: winner Richard Pan is a strong supporter of LGBT rights. SUCK IT, NOM!

(Tipped by JMG reader Ray)

NOM Backs Protect Marriage Lawyer Andy Pugno For California Assembly

NOM issued a press release today to announce their TV ad campaign for Andy Pugno, the lead counsel for Protect Marriage who is running for the California Assembly.

Brian Brown, Treasurer of the NOM California PAC, told the media Friday: “Andy Pugno has been a champion for the people of California and voters need to know his admirable record. Attempts by his opponents to smear him based on his stance on family values issues only clarify what voters in California already know: Andy Pugno identifies with their values and their rights and will fight for them as Assemblyman. The National Organization for Marriage enthusiastically supports Mr. Pugno and applauds his efforts in the Proposition 8 fight.”

PhoboQuotable - Randy Thomasson

"John A. Perez is an aggressive supporter of the sexual indoctrination of schoolchildren, homosexual 'marriages,' and punishing business owners that don't support homosexuality and cross-dressing. We're concerned he will add to existing homosexual-agenda laws, such as 'Harvey Milk Gay Day,' $150,000 in government fines against family-oriented businesspersons, and a dozen other bad laws trampling people's rights and freedoms." - Save California executive douche Randy Thomasson, complaining about his state's newly elected openly gay Speaker of the Assembly.

John Perez: Openly Gay Man Elected Speaker Of California Assembly

First term California Assembly member John Perez was today elected by his fellow Democrats as the first openly gay Speaker of that body.

Members emerged from a closed-door caucus at the historic Stanford Mansion to announce that Democrats had chosen Perez, of Los Angeles, on an unanimous vote. A public vote on the Assembly floor is expected in January. Perez walked arm-in-arm from the caucus meeting with current Assmbly Speaker Karen Bass and Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who had fought fiercely for the job but ultimately bowed out and formally nominated Perez before today's voice vote. Perez said it was an "incredibly moving experience to have the unanimous support of my colleagues."

Perez is the cousin of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who with Perez' agreement, initially backed another Democrat who proved unable to muster enough support to take the post.