In Downtown Madera, folks are talking about their Senator on Tuesday night. Republican Jeff Denham will officially face a recall election later this year. Denham says it all started last year when he refused to support the budget. “The Senate Pro-Tem thought he would come into my district and bully me.” Denham didn’t believe the budget was balanced, therefore says he couldn’t support it.

Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata, a Democrat from Oakland, has supported the recall effort. He's been critical of Denham for refusing to support last year's state budget, during a lengthy deadlock. Denham said Tuesday night that he would still make the same decision despite the recall effort. “I believe I’m elected to be a leader for my community.”

The Secretary of State announced there are enough valid signatures to proceed with the recall.

Denham says the recall is a case of “petty politics”. He expects a tough fight but believes his constituents will stand behind him. Denham's 12th district includes all, or part of Madera, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Stanislaus counties.

Now that the Secretary of State has certified that the recall election can go forward, the Governor has to set a date for the election to be held later this year. Under California law, the Governor may call it for between 60-80 days from today.