On May 27th, the San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board released their endorsements for California’s upcoming elections. This included Lanhee Chen for State Controller:
“That leaves the election for state controller, a surprisingly competitive one. While we have bemoaned the lack of qualified challengers in other state races, the field in this one is impressive. But one candidate stands above the rest. In our view, Republican fiscal adviser/educator Lanhee Chen is the best fit to replace termed-out Betty Yee as the person who cuts checks for state government and conducts independent audits of how state agencies spend money. Chen has four degrees from Harvard University and has served in Democratic and Republican presidential administrations. In his thoughtful interview with us, he pledged aggressive audits of state spending and an ambitious timeline to upgrade the state’s outdated payroll system.
Chen’s competition is four strong Democrats — Orinda state Sen. Steve Glazer, city of Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin, California state Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen and chief financial officer Yvonne Yiu. Glazer especially impressed us with specificity and messaging on modernization.
But Chen made his case: “The fundamental problem we’ve had in California is that our elected controllers have largely been part of the one-party political establishment in Sacramento. My approach would be different.” Voters should give him the shot.”