Editorial:

This is the first of two Special Elections this month. The first election is for the State Senate, 40th District, which encompasses Imperial Valley, parts of Riverside, and South San Diego, on March 12. Mail ballots were sent out the week of February 1 and polls will be open March 12.

Candidates in the 40th State Senate district race are: Democrat Hector Raul Gastelum, a Businessman; Democrat Ben Hueso, California State Assembly member; Anna Nevenic a Nurse/Author; and Chula Vista Republican Xanthi Gionis.

Ben Hueso is the clear frontrunner in this race. The other three candidates are limited by time, money, and name recognition, making it nearly impossible to mount much of a campaign. Hueso on the other hand has raised over $167,000 for this race and garnered all of the endorsements.

Hueso has come a long way since his first run for political office when he lost his bid for San Diego school board. Since then he has successfully run for San Diego City Council, District 8, and State Assembly 79th and then 80th district after district redrawing, and now State Assembly.

Hueso has been a diligent elected official and has earned the respect of his fellow elected leaders, demonstrated by his selection as City Council President in 2009/10. He was also appointed to the California Coastal Commission while serving on the council.

Hueso has been an effective leader in the Hispanic community and he has worked diligently with the Barrio Logan community and with the San Ysidro community.

There is no question as to whom would be the best representative for the State Senate and that is Ben Hueso.

Following the election of Hueso to Senate this will trigger yet again another special election to fill the seat Hueso will vacate in the 80th Assembly District.

Lastly on March 26, there will be a special election to fill the San Diego City Council Seat vacated by Tony Young.