Latest News: 
Friday, January 23, 2009
Republican Rick Keene announces candidacy
for 4th Senate District
(Chico) - Surrounded by supporters, family members and friends, Republican Rick Keene today announced his candidacy for the 4th Senate District. The announcement, made on the steps of Chico's City Hall, marks the beginning of Keene's campaign for the seat, presently occupied by Senator Sam Aanestad, who will retire due to term limits.
Keene, who was elected in 2002 to the State Assembly, says he looks forward to continuing to serve the North State with conservative leadership and a proven record of fiscal responsibility. He retired from the Assembly after six years due to term limits.
While in the Assembly, Keene focused on deficit reduction, as well as reforming California's broken workers' compensation system and enhancing the state's levee infrastructure. Chosen as the Assistant Republican Leader, Keene was principal consultant to successive Assembly Republican Leaders on major policy issues and political strategy. He assumed duties as Republican Whip as well as Vice Chair of the Committee on Budget.
"It has been my honor to serve the North State for the past six years in the State Assembly and as Mayor of Chico before that," Keene noted. "Recent years have seen many dramatic changes and difficult times for California and the nation. However, I am optimistic about our future and the future of California. I believe that even today, all of the fundamental strengths that made California a leading economy in the world are still present today. I believe that we can reclaim the title of the Golden State again. I am humbled by your support and it would be an honor to continue to serve the North State."
Born and raised in the rural logging town of Hayfork, in Trinity County, Keene is the son of a logger. He worked his way through college and law school as a UPS driver, graduating from CSU, Chico in 1982. He completed a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1989, is a member of the California State Bar Association and currently works with the Sacramento law firm of Wilke, Fleury, Gould, Hoffelt & Birney, LLP.
Keene has lived in Butte County for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Janice, have five children and two grandchildren. Keene is an active member of his church and volunteers for local community organizations, working on parenting and poverty issues. The Fourth Senate District includes Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity and Yuba counties.
