Núñez ready to rumble for revised term limits

Sacramento Bee ^ | 2/12/7 | Jim Sanders

[SmithL]

Once an amateur boxer, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez is no stranger to a slugfest or a political controversy.

Now Núñez is preparing for another bout -- one to extend his legacy, and tenure, as speaker.

Núñez is banned by state law from serving another term as head of the Legislature's lower house. But he is pushing to change that.

"I'd like to stick around this job another four to six years," he said. "I think it would be great, if the voters give us an opportunity and if my members continue to support my leadership."

The Los Angeles Democrat is promoting a plan to alter term limits by allowing lawmakers to serve up to 12 years in the state Assembly or Senate, or a combination of both.

From pugilist to politician, Núñez refuses to be counted out.

Núñez, one of 12 children of Mexican immigrants -- his father was a gardener, his mother a maid -- had never held public office before joining the Assembly in 2002. Yet he ascended to leader in his freshman term.

Fast forward four years, and Núñez, 40, has grown into arguably the most powerful Assembly speaker since Willie Brown.

His influence has skyrocketed through strong ties to organized labor, big-bucks fundraising and a growing friendship with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He operates with a high-energy style, a willingness to butt heads, and a penchant for pushing major, high-profile legislation.

"He has emerged, I think, as a real power," said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles.

But critics claim that Núñez -- a champion of Latino and gay rights -- tilts too far to the left, gives Republicans short shrift, and excessively polishes his own image for higher office.

"He's grandiose in his thinking," said Kevin Spillane, a GOP political...

[SmithL]

Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez wants lawmakers to be able to serve up to 12 years in the state Assembly, Senate or both.

[NormsRevenge]

fyi ping.. nunez and term limits

[Ben Mugged]

Yep, he is for term limits if the incumbent is a republican but...... ah never mind, you know the mantra.....

[fremont_steve]

Let's see - CA instituted Term limits to get rid of Willy Brown more than any other single reason...a former Speaker I do believe. This guy hasn't studied his history.

[hschliemann]

"I'd like to stick around this job another four to six years," he said.

Another lie!He no doubt wants to remain on the public dole for the rest of his life.

[Uncle Hal]

Here they go again. The voters have loudly said numerous times they like term limits the way they are. I believe we voted on this issue just a couple years ago.

[calcowgirl]

You bethcha:

March 5, 2002

Proposition 45: Should the California Constitution be amended to allow voters to submit petitions to permit their incumbent legislators to run for reelection and to serve for a maxiumum of four more years beyond their presently allowed terms?

2,049,348 - 42.3% - YES
2,790,153 - 57.7% - NO

[goldstategop]

Its DOA. The voters will reject it. They don't have lifetime job security - why should the politicians have it? Besides the less time people spend up in Sacramento the better for California.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[DumpsterDiver]

"I'd like to stick around this job another four to six years," he said.

Let's get real, Fabian. This is more like it:

"I'd like to stick it to a lot more people and this can best be accomplished if I stick around this job another four to six years," he said.