Elizabeth Whitney was Deputy California State Treasurer under Democrat Jesse M. Unruh and became Acting State Treasurer upon his death on August 4, 1987.http://online.ceb.com/calcases/C3/45C3d727.htm State law provided for her service to be temporary, until the gubernatorial appointment and legislative confirmation of a permanent successor.http://online.ceb.com/calcases/C3/45C3d727.htm However, the reluctance of the Democratic-controlled California Legislature to cede the power of the State Treasurer's office

California State Treasurer

The California State Treasurer is responsible for the state's investment and finance. The post has more narrow responsibilities and authority than the California State Controller...

 to Congressman Dan Lungren

Dan Lungren

Daniel Edward "Dan" Lungren is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2005. The district covers most of Sacramento County and part of Solano County, as well as all of Alpine, Amador and Calaveras counties...

, a nominee of Republican Governor George Deukmejian

George Deukmejian

Courken George Deukmejian, Jr. born June 6, 1928) is an Armenian American politician from California who as a Republican served as the 35th Governor of California and as California Attorney General .-Early life:...

, led to an extended deadlock, and permitted Whitney to serve throughout 1988 and into 1989, when the State Senate

California State Senate

The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...

 confirmed Governor Deukmejian's second nominee, Thomas W. Hayes

Thomas W. Hayes

Thomas W. Hayes was the 28th California State Treasurer. A Republican, he was nominated by Governor George Deukmejian to fill the vacancy created by the August 4, 1987 death of Democrat Jesse M. Unruh. He took office in 1989, upon confirmation by both houses of the California Legislature...

.http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/inside/historical/treasurers.asp