Local progressives are wincing at a possible contest between Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and longtime political ally state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) for the newly drawn 25th state Senate district, which stretches from Burbank to Upland and includes Pasadena, South Pasadena and La Cañada.
Portantino, who will be forced out of office by term limits at the end of 2012, has had to reconsider his post-Assembly plans after seeing the political maps unveiled this summer.
Months ago Portantino began raising money to run for Congress, planning to take on Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas), whose district today includes La Cañada. But the California Citizens Redistricting Commission effectively moved Dreier’s district south and east. Incumbent Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) has announced her candidacy for that spot.
