Mary Hayashi

STATE SENATE 10 | Between running for Alameda County supervisor last year and ramping up for a run at the State Senate in 2014, there is time for Mary Hayashi to make some money.

The former two-time Hayward assemblywoman infamous for her shoplifting arrest in San Francisco two years ago is now running her own consulting firm specializing in state health care issues.

Hayashi has been in her new job consulting for statewide healthcare associations since January. No word if she’s been able to attract any clients. As a legislator, however, Hayashi’s focus often revolved around health care. She wrote a well-received memoir detailing her childhood as an immigrant from Korea and her older sister’s tragic suicide due to mental health issues.

Hayashi time as consultant may be short, at least, she hopes it is. She is widely viewed as a primary opponent in the East Bay’s 10th State Senate District to Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski. Even though, Hayashi’s recent past likely cost her the county supervisor’s seat last November, her large campaign war chest, nevertheless, makes her a formidable challenger.

According to her most recent campaign finance reports, ending Jan. 31, Hayashi’s 2014 Senate accounts maintains just over $750,000 in contributions.

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