Nielsen backs Whitman in governor's race

The Mid-Valley region’s three state legislators might all be Republicans, but they’re not on the same page about who they’d like to see as California’s next governor.

Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, switched sides earlier this week, changing his GOP primary endorsement from Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Nielsen represents Colusa, Glenn and Tehama counties.

The switch was one of a number Whitman’s picked up over the last week, including several sitting state legislators from both ends of the state.

“I see in her a new style of fiscally conservative leadership that California and our party badly needs,” Nielsen said in a press release announcing his endorsement shift. “She will stop Sacramento’s spending frenzy and make government more accountable.”

But the trickle of endorsements for Whitman hasn’t seeped its way to every state Republican legislator.

Both state Sen. Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, and Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, have stayed loyal so far to Poizner, who like Whitman became wealthy in Silicon Valley before running for public office. Aanestad’s district includes Colusa, Glenn and Tehama counties while Logue represents Yuba County.

Logue said this week he feels Poizner is a better fit to lead the state because he’s had experience in both the public and private sectors.

“I think the public is kind of tired of the governor getting on-the-job training,” Logue said, a remark that could be pointed at both political neophyte Whitman and current GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who never held public office before being elected governor in 2003.

“I’ve seen too many people come in with celebrity status, but the state needs someone who understands the workings of business and knows about getting things done in Sacramento,” Logue said.

A spokesman for Aanestad, while noting Aanestad is focusing on legislative duties, said he’s heard nothing to suggest the state senator will change his endorsement of Poizner.

In his campaign kickoff announcement last year, Poizner included Logue and Aanestad – as well as Nielsen – on a list of early endorsements.

Aanestad, who is termed out next year, is running for lieutenant governor in 2010.

A Web site for former GOP San Jose Rep. Tom Campbell does not list any endorsements, though some believe Schwarzenegger, in whose administration Campbell served as finance director, may do so.