Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, who launched the recall
campaign against Sen. Jeff Denham, has pulled out of the
effort.
Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, who launched the recall campaign against Sen. Jeff Denham, has pulled out of the effort.
The recall was launched by Perata after Denham, R-Merced, voted against last summer’s budget. Now, the state is at an estimated $16 billion to $20 billion deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1.
The recall will still show up on the June 3 ballot since the vote-by-mail ballots have been sent out.
Kevin Spillane, Denham’s spokesman, said the most important thing people should realize is the recall is still on the June 3 ballot and they have to vote. Denham’s side is still campaigning, Spillane said.
Denham and his campaign didn’t know beforehand that Perata was going to pull out, Spillane said.
“We found out from reporters,” Spillane said.
Denham’s 12th District includes San Benito, Madera, Merced, Monterey and Stanislaus counties.
Paul Hefner, Perata’s spokesman, said the Senate president decided to stop his campaign on the recall after having a conversation with the treasurer of the state, Bill Lockyer, and Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill about the current financial situation. Perata asked his campaign to stop the advertising on TV and in mailings.
Simon Salinas is the only competitor running against Denham in the recall election. Salinas said he will wait and see what the local recall activists do to find out if there is enough resources to continue a run.
