Dr Matthew Lin, prominent physician and vice chair of the AHMC medical organization, threw his hat into the race and then launched a large rally to kick off the campaign.

Candidates for the June 5, 2012, Primary Election, must file for office by February 8.

While Lin and John Wong are Republicans, the others are recognized as Democrats.

Assemblyman Mike Eng, a former Monterey Park Councilman, cannot run again because of term limits. He is in his third term as assemblyman representing a large part of the West San Gabriel Valley.

Eng is rumored to be seeking election to a State Senate seat sometime in the future.

In his press conference Dr. Lin said he was running to help clean up Sacramento and bring some confidence in the legislative process.

He said he is concerned that many people cannot afford medical service.

When asked by a reporter what his campaign budget would be, Dr. Lin said the budget has not yet been set.

However, he said he expects to spend about $500, 000 for the June Primary election and possibly another $900,000 in the November General Election. He added that he has not started any fundraising.

The 49^th Assembly District now includes the cities of Monterey Park, Alhambra, Temple City, Arcadia, San Marino, San Gabriel, Rosemead and part of El Monte. Democrats form the majority voting group in the district. The District is predominately Asian, with a large Latino voting block.