Democratic state Sens. Gil Cedillo and Gloria Romero say they're exploring running for the East Los Angeles County congressional seat that's expected to be vacated by Rep. Hilda Solis, reportedly President-elect Barack Obama's pick for labor secretary.
While Cedillo was expressing his interest Thursday to reporters on the floor of the Senate, Romero wandered by and said she was "definitely" looking at jumping into the race.
Told that in addition to Cedillo, the Calderon brothers -- Assemblyman Charles and state Sen. Ron -- could be contenders, Romero declared, "I can beat them all" -- and walked off.
Romero replaced Solis in the state Senate, and her East Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley district encompasses the congressional district. Cedillo represents an adjacent Senate district, but members of Congress don't have to live in the district they represent.
Both senators have strong support among labor groups that were influential in Solis' climb from the state Senate -- where she was the first Latina elected -- to Congress.
Also mentioned as possible contenders are Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina; Judy Chu, chairwoman of the state Board of Equalization; and her husband Assemblyman Mike Eng, D-Monterey Park.
Once Solis is named as labor secretary, a special election for her replacement must take place within 140 days.
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