Anyone who has watched state Sen. Dean Florez in action very long knows that he's a headline-grabber. That's not a term of affection. It's offered by critics, who are suggesting that the Kern County Democrat would rather play to the media than represent his constituents. Let me tell you why I think his critics have it wrong about Florez, at least the part about representing his constituents. He definitely responds to newspaper headlines, and is quick to call a legislative hearing or author a bill to fix a problem highlighted in one of the newspapers in his San Joaquin Valley district.

But he almost always gets results, and that should be cheered in a Legislature beset by gridlock. Does he ruffle feathers and upset the establishment? Sure, and he probably could be a bit more diplomatic in his approach.

Now he's looking to run for lieutenant governor, and he thinks his style is just fine with California voters. We'll have to wait for the 2010 election to see if that's accurate.

Please click on the headline to read the whole article. This one is worth the read.
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