(May 5, 2008) -- Two Dems and two Repubs seeking to succeed Assemblywoman (prior State Senator) Betty Karnette (D., LB) will field audience-submitted questions launched by moderator Alan Tolkoff at tonight's Wrigley Ass'n Assembly candidates' forum (May 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Veterans Park Social Hall, 101 E. 28th St.).

On June 3, Dem voters will choose either LB Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal or LB Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga and Repubs will choose either Michael A. Jackson (ELB Navy Vet/Aerospace Project Mgr.) or Gabriella Holt (RPV RN/former PV School Boardmember). The winning Dem and Repub in June will face off in the Nov. 08 General Election.

For enlarged image, click map

The Secretary of State's latest (April 4, 2008) voter registration figures show the 54th Assembly district is now roughly 43.77% Dem registered, 33.21% Repub registered, smaller parties under 3%...meaning roughly 20% of voters are registered decline to state.

The Dem drawn 54th Assembly district usually elects Dems but on occasion has shown an independent streak. 57% of its voters supported recalling Dem Gov. Gray Davis in 2003. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger received roughly 56% of its votes against Dem Phil Angelides in 2006. In 1994, Republican Steve Kuykendall defeated then incumbent Karnette; in 2004, Karnette fended off a challenge by Kuykendall. The 54th Assembly district supported Sen. John Kerry (57%) over Pres. George Bush (42%) in 2004.

All four 2008 Assembly candidates will be on stage simultaneously...although audience questions directed to just the Dems and Repubs will be invited as well as questions for all four candidates.

Mr. Tolkoff says candidates won't be precluded from crossing party lines to challenge or question another candidate and questions from for individual candidates will also be welcomed. "If all candidates are agreeable, they will be able to put questions to each other," Mr. Tolkoff adds.

Assemblywoman Karnette, term limited under current law, said earlier this year that if voters passed a Feb. 2008 measure easing term limits, she'd seek another Assembly term...and both Bonnie Lowenthal and Tonia Reyes Uranga said that if she sought re-election, they wouldn't challenge her.

CA voters rejected the ballot measure; Assemblywoman Karnette will be out by year's end...and one of the four candidates on stage tonight will be the next person to represent LB, Signal Hill, San Pedro and PV in the State Assembly.

Following the formal forum, there'll be a free-form one-on-one mingle from 8:30-9:00 p.m.

54th Assembly Dist. Candidates Forum
Monday May 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Veterans Park Social Hall
101 E. 28th St.