CA: Potential Replacements - Shelley's job a political plum

Potential Replacements - Shelley's job a political plum Mid-term appointment gives governor a rare chance to put a Republican in office

Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is said to be eyeing a list of former Republican lawmakers and at least one member of his Cabinet as he considers filling the now-vacant secretary of state's position.

The resignation of Kevin Shelley represents a rare opportunity for Schwarzenegger to appoint another Republican to statewide office. Any appointee could be rejected by a majority of either the Senate and Assembly, which are controlled by Democrats.

The governor said in a statement that he would move quickly to name a successor, and some political observers said Schwarzenegger might take pains not to appear too partisan when making his choice.

Former state Sen. Ross Johnson is at the top of a list of replacements, which also includes Fred Aguiar, Schwarzenegger's secretary for state and consumer services, and former state Sen. Bruce McPherson.

Other possible Republican candidates, although viewed as less likely, include Gary Mendoza of Los Angeles, who lost to John Garamendi for the insurance commissioner job in 2002; former Secretary of State Bill Jones; and Rosario Marin, who lost to Jones in the GOP primary for U.S. senator last year.

Johnson, who sources say is interested in the job, has received support from several Democrats already, including Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata of Oakland. "I could guarantee safe passage for Ross in the Senate," Perata said in an interview.

Another possible interim appointment is Chon Gutierrez, a longtime state employee who was the interim director of the Department of Motor Vehicles for Schwarzenegger and served as co-chair of the California Performance Review, the governor's overhaul of state government.

Ross Johnson, 65, served in the Legislature for 26 years before being forced out by term limits in 2004. He represented Irvine but continues to maintain a home in Sacramento. He was active in election and campaign finance issues throughout his legislative career. Last year, he was the author of a law that moved the state's primary election from March back to June. Despite having once served as the Senate GOP leader, Johnson is widely respected for his integrity and has already attracted the support of some Democratic lawmakers.

Fred Aguiar, 56, was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to head the state and consumer services agency, which is responsible for the management of state property, procurement and consumer protection programs. He served for 14 years as mayor and city councilman in Chino (San Bernardino County) and before that served six years in the Assembly. A Vietnam veteran, Aguiar is liked by Democrats but may be seen as someone with further political ambition.

Bruce McPherson, 61, was the Santa Cruz area's state senator for 11 years before being termed out in November. He is a moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and went against his party on environmental and gun issues in Sacramento. A former newspaper owner, he ran for lieutenant governor in 2002 but lost to incumbent Cruz Bustamante. His family experienced a tragedy in 2001 when his son Hunter was slain in an attempted robbery on a San Francisco street.

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