This afternoon Assembly member Nicole Parra went on local talk radio to discuss her eviction from the Capitol for refusing to support the Democrats' budget. Not surprisingly, she indicated she has been "threatened" by Democrat members regarding her future employment opportunities when her term expires at the end of this year. Parra was unmoved by the intimidation and the unceremonious exit from the Capitol. She says she has had "incredible" support from up and down the state for her position that a water bond must be supported for the next ballot in order for her to support a budget.

Addressing rumors that she may be considering re-registering as a Republican, Parra stated that "right now" she is a Democrat, but that as a Democrat or as an "Independent" she will continue to answer to her constituents. She noted that whoever is giving Speaker Karen Bass advice missed the boat on this one (kicking out Parra).

Parra lamented the condemnation that comes down from "both Republicans and Democrats" on any member who shows an independent streak. She repeated her interest in running for Congress someday (Costa-CD 20). Overall, the Central Valley Assemblywoman was laughing and expressing more interest in how her 3 year old nephew did on his first day of pre-school than with her booting from the capitol. Hmmm, Preschool. Assembly Democratic leadership. Maybe there's a corollary there.