Looking for Something Really Special To Do Valentine’s Day?

Why not consider lunch with Sen. Elaine Alquist, a Santa Clara Democrat, in the Governor’s Room at the Sutter Club?

Tres romantique.

The invitation says she is running for Secretary of State in 2014, which might be true.

Under the state’s campaign finance laws, a termed-out lawmaker can only raise money in their final term if they are running for higher office.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata, an Oakland Democrat, was running for the Board of Equalization his final term. Instead he ran for mayor of Oakland and now enjoys employ in the private sector.

Missed the 2010 campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction by former President Pro Tempore John Burton, now the chair of the state Democratic Party? There wasn’t one  although he created a committee to run for the office during his last senate term.

Gil Cedillo, formerly a senator and now an Assemblyman, also has a Valentine’s Day event. It’s from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Grange, the restaurant at the Citizens Hotel on 926 Street in Sacramento.

Like Alquist’s event, it’s a minimum of $1,000 to get in the door.

Sen. Alex Padilla, a Los Angeles Democrat, who has previously angled to become leader of the Senate, is cutting in on Alquist’s action by hosting a $1,000-a-pop lunch the same day. His, however, is at Chicory’s, the coffee shop across the street from the Capitol.

Padilla wants the money for his “ballot measure committee.” Under the terms of Proposition 34, the campaign contribution law enacted by voters in November 2000, there are no limits on the amount a donor can contribute to a ballot measure campaign.

Cedillo – and Alquist – both note the money could also be deposited in their “officeholder account” which pays for incidentals and legislative expenses not covered by taxpayer funds.

Bouquet of red roses optional.

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