Carpenter Endorses Green to Succeed Him in State Senate

State Sen. Paul Carpenter (D-Cypress) has endorsed Norwalk City Councilman Cecil N. Green as his successor in the 33rd Senate District. Carpenter is resigning from the Senate to take a post on the State Board of Equalization.

Carpenter announced his endorsement of Green, 62, at a fund-raising dinner for the longtime Norwalk councilman Saturday. Green, one of four announced Democrats in the race, said the endorsement is a “good shot in the arm. . . . To have the blessing of the officeholder is a big boost to my campaign.”

Carpenter said he endorsed Green because he has the “best chance to win.” The timing of his endorsement surprised some. Last week, a Carpenter spokesman said the senator planned to wait to see whom the Democratic caucus backed in the race before making any endorsement.

Although the caucus has finished polling voters in the district to determine which Democrat has the highest name recognition, it has yet to endorse a specific candidate.

Gov. George Deukmejian is expected to announce by mid-January that a special election will be held to fill the seat in late March or early April.