Election 2014: Statewide Races

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Governor's Race

• As the state’s chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies, and appoints judges.

• Proposes new laws, approves or vetoes legislation, and submits the annual state budget to the Legislature.

• Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.

Details On SmartVoter.org

 Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown

Occupation: Governor of California City: Oakland

Party: Democrat 

Endorsements: California Police Chiefs and Sheriffs, California Teachers, California League of Conservation Voters

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Neel Kashkari

Occupation: Former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

Residence: Orange County

Party: Republican

Endorsements: Condoleeza Rice, Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, California State Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, More

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Lieutenant Governor

• Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal from office, or absence from the state.

• Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote.

• Chairs the Economic Development Commission, is a member of the State Lands Commission, and sits on the boards of the California university systems.

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 Secretary of State

• As the state’s chief elections officer, oversees statewide elections and provides public access to campaign and lobbying financial information.

• Maintains certain business filings, authenticates trademarks, regulates notaries public, and enables secured creditors to protect their financial interests.

• Preserves California’s history by acquiring, safeguarding, and sharing the state’s historical treasures.

Details On SmartVoter.org

Controller

• As the state’s chief fiscal officer, serves as the state’s accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds.

• Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws, and conducts audits and reviews of state operations.

• Serves on the Board of Equalization, the Board of Control, and other boards and commissions.

Attorney General

• As the state’s chief law officer, ensures that state laws are enforced and investigates fraudulent or illegal activities.

• Heads the Department of Justice, which provides state government legal services and represents the state in civil and criminal court cases.

• Oversees law enforcement agencies, including county district attorneys and sheriffs.

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Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Treasurer

• As the state’s banker, manages the state’s investments, and administers the sale of state bonds and notes.

• Serves on several commissions, most of which are related to the marketing of bonds.

• Pays out state funds when spent by the Controller and other state agencies.

Candidates:

John Chiang, Democratic

Greg Conlon, Republican

Insurance Commissioner

• Heads the Department of Insurance, which enforces California insurance laws and adopts regulations to implement the laws.

• Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies.

• Answers public questions and complaints about the insurance industry

Candidates: 

Ted Gaines, Republican

Dave Jones, Democratic

Board of Equalization

Serves on the Board of Equalization, the state’s elected tax commission, which:

• Oversees the administration of many tax and fee programs including those for sales, fuels, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco.

• Serves as the appellate body for California income tax and franchise tax cases.

• Oversees the administration of property tax.

District 1

Chris Parker Democratic

George Runner Republican

District 2

Fiona Ma Democratic

James E. Theis Republican

District 3

Jerome E. Horton Democratic

G. Rick Marshall Republican

District 4

Diane L. Harkey Republican

Nader Shahatit Democratic