DeSaulnier prepares for Senate run

Freshman Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, D-Martinez, has formed a committee to run for state Senate in 2008. DeSaulnier is expected to run against former Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla for the seat, which is currently held by Tom Torlakson. DeSaulnier bested Canciamilla’s wife, Laura, in the 2006 Democratic primary for the Assembly seat.

Torlakson, meanwhile, is expected to run for his old Assembly seat next year. Under the current term limits law, Torlakson is eligible to serve one more term in the Assembly, but is barred from seeking reelection to the Senate. After one more Assembly term, Torlakson is widely expected to run for superintendent of public instruction in 2010.