Al Checchi

Alfred Attilio Checchi (born June 6, 1948) is an American businessman who was a candidate for Governor of California in the 1998 gubernatorial election, losing to fellow Democrat Gray Davis in the June 1998 primary. Checchi finished in second place in the Democratic primary, capturing 12.49% of the vote. He ran as a New Democrat and called for increased spending on education. At the age of 14, Checchi saw Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

The race

Checchi spent over $40 million from his personal fortune on his run for governor. Checchi's campaign featured numerous television ads and high priced political advisors and included a television ad that highlighted his Italian American heritage.

Checchi ran against Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis and US Congresswoman Jane Harman. Checchi led in early polls. Checchi came in second in the Democratic primary held on June 2, 1998, with 12.49% of the vote.

As of 2011, Checchi is a registered independent, critical of both major parties.