Portantino Named Top Democrat by Capitol Insiders

Portantino and Pro Tem Steinberg Named
Top Two Democrats by Capitol Insiders

Schools may have done away with winners and losers, but not the folks at Sacramento’s “Around the Capitol”. Today, they released the results of their reader poll and named Assemblymember Anthony Portantino – Assembly Legislator of the Year. Darrell Steinberg, the Speaker Pro Tem of the State Senate was named Senate Legislator of the Year.

In the category, Assembly Democrat, Portantino was judged the top by capitol insiders who cited the following:
•”He fought the man and won.”
•”For calling a spade a spade when combatting overly zealous party discipline, and calling for greater transparency in Assembly budget matters.”
•”Independent.”
Portantino said he was thrilled to be chosen and promises to continue the fight to open up the State Assembly budget records for public review.

“From the back bench, it feels pretty good to know that folks inside the capitol know that sunshine is just around the corner. I’m honored that this little fight has garnered independent support and verification. Rumor has it that the Speaker has increased Assembly budgets by $20, excluding mine of course, so that members can buy sunscreen in the wake of the Times and Bee court date. In a belt tightening exercise, I heard it was announced that there is only enough money in the kitty to pay the lawyers so Assembly staff will have to fend for themselves and purchase their own sunscreen. Seriously, this is a pretty cool thing to have happened, thanks from me, my staff and the good residents of the 44th AD.”

Check out the final results at: www.aroundthecapitol.com/nooner/2011-10-19.html

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