It's looks like state Treasurer Bill Lockyer is going to be the next governor of California – at least for a day.
With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other top office holders heading to Washington, D.C., to witness the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, California's affairs of state will be left to the man who stands sixth in line to the Governor's Office under the state constitution.
Lockyer will be riding high because – in order of succession – Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Attorney General Jerry Brown are all going to Washington.
While Lockyer may be missing out by skipping the inaugural party, his staff was abuzz Friday over the possibilities.
"We're all really excited in the treasurer's office not just for ourselves, but the people of California," said an amused Tom Dresslar, Lockyer's spokesman.
"On Tuesday, he'll be convening a budget negotiation with the 'Little Five' – Lockyer and the four people who are ranked below him in the gubernatorial line of succession. We're confident the Little Five will be able to knock out a two-thirds vote budget bill in time to greet the returning governor with a signing pen."
That may be tough. While the seventh person in line to succeed the governor – Controller John Chiang – will be working in Sacramento – state schools Superintendent Jack O'Connell, No. 8, is taking Tuesday off to watch the inauguration on television.
Call Peter Hecht, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5539.
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