'First Look': Senate candidate Vidak pitches 'common sense solutions'
By The Bakersfield Californian
Andy Vidak, the Republican candidate for the 16th District Senate seat, said he's gathering strong endorsements, working on fundraising and pitching "common sense solutions" in his bid for the post.
The cherry farmer from Kings County called in to the simulcast "First Look with Scott Cox" Thursday morning.
Show host Scott Cox said he thinks government was designed to be run by "regular people," adding, "I'll cast my lot with the cherry farmer from Hanford but that's just me."
Vidak, for his part, said, "All I want to do is help the district. I'm not looking for a job. I don't need a job."
Vidak said Michael Rubio's resignation from the seat was a surprise.
But while shopping in WalMart and even attending a funeral, Vidak said, people approached him and asked if he'd consider running for the seat.
"We offer common sense solutions for everyone," Vidak said.
Vidak said he is "wiser" since he lost his bid against Rep. Jim Costa in 2010, his first run for office.
Noting the 16th is a largely agricultural district, Cox brought up the problems of water delivery for farmers.
Vidak talked about turning on the pumps -- for water and for oil -- as ways to put people back to work.
"Jobs, jobs, jobs," Vidak said.
Some regulations need to be pulled back, he said, adding: "You keep choking us down and nothing gets better."
Vidak is the only prominent Republican candidate to announce a run for the seat.
On the Democrats' side, Shafter City Councilwoman Fran Florez and Kern County 5th District Supervisor Leticia Perez of Bakersfield are running.
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