Saturday February 23, 2013, 9:25 am

February 22, 2013
State Sen. Michael Rubio resigns, will take job with Chevron

AP120417140783.JPGState Sen. Michael Rubio announced today that he is resigning from the state Legislature and taking a job directing California governmental affairs for Chevron Corporation.

The Shafter Democrat cited a desire to spend more time with his family in a statement released today, saying he "realized that my current professional path has left little opportunity to be home for those who are most important to me, which is why I am making a change."

"My wife and I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, from whom we have learned a great deal," he said. "Our youngest child, who has special needs, has given me great perspective as to life's priorities and our eldest has reminded me that the most critical decisions are made at home and not under the Capitol dome."

Rubio, who was elected to the state Senate in 2010, dropped plans to run for Congress in 2012 after his daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome. One of the upper house's most moderate members, Rubio was leading a push to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act. He was named chair of the Environmental Quality Committee last year and has worked closely with Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg on drafting legislation for the upcoming session.

Rubio said in the statement that his resignation is effective today. His decision means Senate Democrats will temporarily lose their supermajority, as two other Democratic seats are currently vacant. A special election will be held to fill his seat for the remainder of his term.

PHOTO CREDIT: State Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Bakersfield, left, a member of the Senate Transportation and Housing committee, explains to Sen. Doug La Malfa, R-Willows why he would vote against La Malfa's proposal to put a $68 billion high-speed rail plan back before California voters, during a hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. Tuesday, April 17, 2012. After more than an hour of testimony La Malfa was granted his request to postpone the committee's vote on the bill. He did not say when he would seek a vote.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Sunday February 24, 2013, 6:24 am
And so the wolf has shed the artificial clothing.

Sunday February 24, 2013, 7:24 am
You cannot currently send a star to Anna because you have done so within the last week.

Sunday February 24, 2013, 3:13 pm
Well, at least he is not in senate,.

Sunday February 24, 2013, 4:28 pm
Noted

Sunday February 24, 2013, 4:48 pm
You will NEVER convince me he couldnt find a job with any other company but Exxon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what a BENDAJOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday February 24, 2013, 5:40 pm
Good Riddance! We don't need Democrats that are in bed with the oil company's

Sunday February 24, 2013, 5:58 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Diana because you have done so within the last week.
You cannot currently send a star to Vera because you have done so within the last week.

Monday February 25, 2013, 8:42 am
get ready to fight to save the california coast from offshore drilling.

Monday February 25, 2013, 10:34 am
Logical prediction Catherine to which I'd add major drilling and fracking in the Monterey Shale.

Monday February 25, 2013, 11:38 am
The Great Revolving Door...

Monday February 25, 2013, 12:17 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Kirsten because you have done so within the last week.

Monday February 25, 2013, 1:40 pm
Noted. Geeeez....it's just always about the greed and the money, isn't it? Where has integrity gone?

Monday February 25, 2013, 4:25 pm
Noted

Monday February 25, 2013, 5:32 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Lois because you have done so within the last week.

Monday February 25, 2013, 6:59 pm
What in the world made him want to work for Chevron? Money, I suppose...

On another topic, I hope his family are well.

Monday February 25, 2013, 7:00 pm
I mean as well as is possible. Typed too quickly again.

Monday February 25, 2013, 7:06 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Jeremy because you have done so within the last week.