Capitol Alert: Beth Gaines will run for husband's former Assembly seat

Beth Gaines will run for the Sacramento-area Assembly seat vacated by her husband, Ted.

The Roseville Republican announced her candidacy today in a written statement featuring the slogan, "Conservative for Assembly."

The 4th District Assembly seat was vacated by Ted Gaines when he was sworn in Jan. 6 as a state senator, replacing the late Dave Cox, a Fair Oaks Republican who died last July.

Gaines' Republican opponents for the seat include John Allard, Roseville councilman; Michael Babich, an Auburn college instructor and businessman who lost to Rep. Tom McClintock in a congressional primary last year; and Mike O'Connor of Lincoln, a retiree and former Yuba County assistant personnel director.

Democrat Dennis J. Campanale -- a retired West Sacramento division fire chief who lost to Ted Gaines in November for the 4th District Assembly seat -- also has declared his candidacy in a race that will feature an "open primary."

Candidates from all parties will run in the March 8 primary. If none receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters - regardless of party -- will square off in a May 3 general election.

Beth Gaines, 51, never has held public office, which she contends will benefit her if she wins election to the Assembly seat representing Alpine and parts of Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento counties.

"I don't come from government," she said in a written statement. "Instead, I will bring a unique set of experiences and skills to representing the people of our area. I've worked in independent businesses, raised a family, and been active in local charities and conservative causes."

Gaines said she decided to run after being "overwhelmed with phone calls and words of encouragement from people who live in our area."

"It's clear that the voters want to be represented by a conservative who is in touch with the concerns of our district. I know the people of this district, have a passion for them and share their concerns."

If elected, Gaines vowed to "oppose tax increases, shrink government and work to create opportunities for businesses to grown and create jobs."

A homemaker for the couple's six children, Gaines has been active in church, helped market Ted's insurance company, and has assisted Placer County women's shelter and child abuse prevention programs.

Gaines' resume includes management experience at a local workforce employment firm, sales and marketing work for a medical supply company, and service as a teacher for Placer County preschoolers, according to her written announcement today.

PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Gaines holds the bible when her husband Ted Gaines was sworn into the state Senate by Judge Donald J. Courrier last week. Hector Amezcua / The Sacramento Bee