What now for Sen. pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins?

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is one of the most accomplished figures in recent California political history: The first person in 150 years to lead both chambers of the Legislature, as well as being the first woman – and the first openly LGBTQ  woman – to do so at all. And, if she succeeds in her latest political quest, California’s first woman Governor. Of course we are talking about Sen. pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins.

Sen. Atkins is termed out later this year and stepped down from the pro Tem position last week (just about the time we recorded this interview, actually) to allow for a smooth transition to the new Senate Leader, Sen. Mike McGuire.  She joined us to talk about her time in the Legislature, her future, and what unique qualities she would bring to the Governor’s office.

Listen to the podcast here:

1:40 Your legacy

3:41 Priorities this year

7:15 A woman Governor

9:55 “Everybody has a story”

11:21 “The first and foremost thing I will always remember is growing up poor”

12:43 Fundraising: How to overcome the huge fundraising advantage some candidates (even unannounced – AG Rob Bonta, for example) may have?

17:08 “You have to introduce yourself to 27 million voters in California”

18:05 What happens if you don’t win?

19:47 WWCA: Nothing trumps jail time