GOP Assemblyman OC Republican Power Brokers Targeted for Recall Won't Seek Reelection

​The Inland Empire Republican state assemblyman who blamed "Orange County Republicans" and "Newport Beach activists" for an unsuccessful recall attempt against him will not win reelection this year.

That's because Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) won't be on the ballot.

"The decision to leave the Legislature was a difficult one as I have enjoyed and been honored to represent the people of San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties," reads a statement Adams released through the Assembly Republican Caucas. "But, I'm at a time in my life where I'd like to move on to new challenges and new opportunities."

Corona del Mar attorneys Mike Schroeder and Lee Lowrey lost their bid to recall their fellow Republican last month after California Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced not enough valid signatures had been gathered to qualify the measure for the ballot.

Adams had drawn the ire of Lowrey, of Orange County-based Atlas PAC, and Schroeder, formerly the chairman of the California Republican Party and power behind disgraced ex-Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona's throne, because the legislator was one of five Republicans who joined Democrats in approving a February 2009 budget update that included tax hikes. That, recall advocates claimed, betrayed Adams' signed pledge not to support more taxes.

Adams countered that

the Orange Countians were selfishly trying to protect their own slice of the financial pie at the expense of less affluent residents of his 59th Assembly District.

 He also called out the hypocrisy of supposed anti-tax crusaders being all for burning more than $1 million of taxpayer money on a special recall election.

"Given the outpouring of support during the recall," Adams said in today's statement, "I feel confident that I would have won re-election in 2010, however, I'd rather spend all my time focusing on jump starting a sluggish economy and dealing with the state's budget problems than deal with another campaign."

He added that the timing of his announcement will give ample notice to potential candidates in the 59th as well as the voters who will sort out who will best represent them in 2011 and beyond.

"In making this announcement, I want to thank all who stood beside me during the failed effort to recall me. I appreciate the words of encouragement, endorsement and financial support and wish I had time to thank everyone in person who voiced support."