The Legislature will lose an authority on water issues and our region will lose an influential voice when Dave Cogdill completes his Senate term at the end of 2010.
The Modesto Republican surprised many, including us, with his announcement Tuesday that he won't seek a second term representing the 14th District, which includes about half of Stanislaus County and stretches all the way from Lodi to Fresno. He previously served six years, the maximum allowed, in the Assembly.
During his nine years in Sacramento, Cogdill has earned a reputation for consistency, credibility and civility.
He has demonstrated that politics and integrity are not mutually exclusive. He is pro-business and anti-government spending, and while we haven't agreed with him on every issue, we definitely appreciate the fact that he is pragmatic about what's needed to get things done.
That was clear during the 10 months he served as Senate minority leader, up until February, when he worked with Democratic legislative leaders and the governor to hammer out a budget compromise. That deal included some long-sought concessions from the majority party, but because it included short-term tax increases, Cogdill's Republican colleagues turned on him and booted him out of his leadership role.
He took that development with his characteristic calm, continued to work diligently and focused on what has been his top priority for years — a comprehensive water package. A major piece of that package is an $11 billion bond, primarily for water storage. The water bond needs the approval of voters in 2010, and we hope Cogdill will participate in the campaign to educate Californians on how essential it is, even — or especially — in these tough times.
Cogdill is on a short list for appointment as lieutenant governor, a nomination expected any day by Gov. Schwarzenegger, who clearly admires Cogdill. We want the senator to know that we, too, have appreciated his efforts.
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