Mayor Randon Lane to Head Up Magee's Exploratory Committee for State Assembly

Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane will head up an exploratory committee for Lake Elsinore Mayor Pro Tem Bob Magee's possible 2012 bid for State Assembly, according to a June 2 news release from a political consulting firm.

"It is really the beginning of a process," Lane said by phone Friday. "We are looking at a grassroots effort, and fundraising."

If Magee runs, he will be campaigning for the seat currently held by Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore), who is leaving his position due to term limits.

On April 7, Jeffries formally announced his intention to run in 2012 for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, 1st District. Supervisor Bob Buster currently holds the 1st District seat and is campaigning for re-election in 2012.

“Bob Magee is my choice to represent the residents and businesses in the 66th Assembly District. I have known Bob for nearly 25 years and his business experience coupled with his passion for good government and public service will serve us well in Sacramento,” Jeffries said in the news release.

Magee’s exploratory committee will “examine the new boundaries being proposed through redistricting, seek out political endorsements and financial support, and gauge the viability of a campaign should a vacant Assembly seat include Lake Elsinore,” the news release stated.

“Bob Magee is among the most respected public figures in our area and support for his candidacy is gaining momentum,” Lane said in the news release.

Lane is not a stranger to political campaigning. He ran his own successful campaign for Murrieta City Council, and worked as a political director for Meg Whitman's 2010 gubernatorial campaign.

“I am honored to have so many good people around me. With their help we are going to carefully examine this opportunity together and work on the recommendation to proceed,” Magee said in the release.

No timetable has been set for when a final decision will be made on his 2012 run. Lane said it was dependent on the outcome of redistricting, which he said was expected by August or September.

Magee, who has served on the Lake Elsinore City Council since 2003, is employed as Executive Officer of Forest Wood Fiber Products. He is married to Gina Magee, executive director of Trauma Intervention Programs of Southwest Riverside County. His son, Richard, is in the U.S. Army currently deployed to Afghanistan.