With Board of Equalization vice chair Judy Chu heading to Washington comes the matter of filling the vacancy her congressional win has created. The Los Angeles Times reports that state senator Ron Calderon, former assemblyman Jerome Horton (who Chu handily defeated in 2006) and current 49th Assemblyman Mike Eng are among the contenders.

Vacancies on the Board of Equalization are filled by gubernatorial appointment, but require a confirmation vote in both the assembly and the senate. I'm not sure if Mike would be able to vote for himself. And who knows what deal Arnold may be seeking.

Until the governor's pick is confirmed, Chu's chief deputy (Steve Shea) serves as acting board member. That preserves the current 3-2 Democratic majority on the body.