Editor's Note: This story has been changed from the print version to correct the office for which Dan Lungren was nominated in 1989. It was state treasurer. Corrected on Nov. 2, 2009.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has complained that he doesn't get to pick his own lieutenant governor, a position he thinks should be more first mate than political detractor – if it must exist at all.

He could soon get his wish.

If Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi wins a special congressional election Tuesday in the Democrat-leaning 10th Congressional District, Schwarzenegger has the power to appoint Garamendi's replacement.

The Republican governor has not tipped his hand. He has the option of choosing a caretaker who will serve out Garamendi's last year. Or he could use the appointment to reward a Republican legislator for working on his behalf in recent years.

"Everything the governor does should send a message," said Steve Merksamer, chief of staff to former Republican Gov. George Deukmejian. "The message that should be sent here is, 'If you stood with me in the past, I'm standing here for you today.' He should choose someone who reflects his policies and priorities and has a demonstrable record of doing that."

Political consultants have thrown out several names as possibilities. Chief among them has been state Sen. Abel Maldonado, a moderate Republican from Santa Maria who provided a crucial budget vote in February and who often advocates on the governor's behalf.

Another possibility is Assemblyman Mike Villines of Clovis, who was replaced as Assembly Republican leader this spring after striking a tax-hike budget compromise with Schwarzenegger and Democrats. For the same reason, some have mentioned ousted Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill of Modesto as a possible pick.

But there's a catch: Any nominee must avoid rejection by majorities in the Senate and Assembly, which means Democrats have a huge say. In 1989, for instance, now-Rep. Dan Lungren made it through the Assembly as Deukmejian's nominee for state treasurer but couldn't get past Senate Democrats.

Republican consultant Matt Rexroad said he doesn't see how the Democrats will confirm anyone but a caretaker nominee who promises not to seek election in next year's June primary for lieutenant governor.

"Senator Maldonado would be Lieutenant Governor Maldonado seeking re-election, and that is what the Democrats don't want," Rexroad said. "They don't want to give anyone the advantage of having a ballot title."

Rexroad also suggested it would be unlikely for the two former GOP leaders to accept the nomination since Villines is running for insurance commissioner next year and Cogdill has the opportunity to stay in the Senate until 2014.

Complicating matters further, four senators not named Maldonado are expected to run for lieutenant governor in 2010 – Democrats Dean Florez of Shafter and Alan Lowenthal of Long Beach, and Republicans Sam Aanestad of Penn Valley and Jeff Denham of Merced.

Rexroad suggested that each senator would lobby their caucuses to reject any nominee who would want to retain the office.

In a statement, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said, "I believe it would be appropriate to appoint and confirm someone highly qualified and who will fill the term until the voters have a chance to decide."

The lieutenant governor, who earns $159,134 annually, serves as the state's acting leader whenever the governor leaves the state, as Schwarzenegger has done for all or part of 304 days before this week's trip to Washington, D.C. He or she also serves as the president of the state Senate in name and has the power to cast a tiebreaking vote if necessary.

The lieutenant governor also serves on the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees, as well as the State Lands Commission and other panels. In the case of the Lands Commission, Garamendi cast a decisive vote against an offshore oil drilling plan backed by Schwarzenegger this year.

Call Kevin Yamamura, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5548.