Assembly ready to consider Maldonado nomination

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The Assembly Rules Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday to consider Abel Maldonado’s appointment as lieutenant governor. Confirmation could come before the full Assembly as early as Thursday.

Thursday is a magical day of sorts in the Maldonado confirmation calendar. It is the date after which Gov. Schwarzenegger may consolidate a hypothetical runoff election for Maldonado’s Senate seat with the November general election. Democrats believe they would have a better chance of winning that election if it were held in November because of higher voter turnout.

Former Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), a candidate for the seat, was seen in the Capitol on Tuesday. Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) is also expected to run for the seat.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento