Assemblywoman Connie Conway
In a unexpected move right in the middle of the budget debate this past Thursday, Assemblywoman Connie Conway attempted a coup against Assemblyman Martin Garrick. Although coups occur every two years or so, this came as a surprise because it is only three weeks until the election where Republicans could pick up additional seats.
Assemblywoman Connie Conway (R-34) represents an area from Barstow to Visalia, Bishop, Lucerne Valley and a host of other communities in between. Conway is a freshman Assembly member and serves as the Chairman of the Republican Caucus, the second highest Republican position in the Assembly.
Assemblyman Martin Garrick
Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-74) represents the San Diego area and his district includes the cities of Oceanside, Escondido, and Del Mar. Garrick is Minority Leader, the highest Republican position in the Assembly.
On Thursday chatter was heard throughout the halls of the State Capitol where almost everyone knew of Conway’s plan except for Garrick. Conway claimed to have the pledges necessary to become Minority Leader but as the evening wore on, cooler heads prevailed and the coup never came to a vote.
Incoming freshman Republicans are expected to lean towards the conservative faction of the party so it is thought that Conway will not have a shot at Minority Leader during the next term. However, that does not mean the Republicans are happy with their current leadership.
Garrick has been the Minority Leader for about six months. Although he delivered a “no tax” budget for his party, he is considered a bit anti-social and a poor communicator. He may face another coup attempt not long into the new term that starts in December.
Republicans are expected to gain anywhere from two to five seats this November, which will also impact leadership choices. Currently, Republicans hold 27 out of 80 Assembly seats.
