Marco Firebaugh, a Democratic candidate for the state Senate in the 30th district of southeast Los Angeles County, died this morning or last night. Liver illness is reportedly the cause. In 2004 he was termed out of the state Assembly, where he was Majority Floor Leader for then-Speaker Herb Wesson and had chaired the Latino caucus. Political consultant Andre Pineda has more plus a bio. Firebaugh, 39, lived in Whittier.

* AP: (11:30 am) Speaker Fabian Núñez's statement says, "This is a moment of profound sadness and grief for all of us who liked and respected Marco Firebaugh, cared for his life work, cherished his charm and charisma, enjoyed his love of life and admired his leadership in the Legislature." Firebaugh died at UCLA and his family asked that the medical center release no information.

** Too soon for the LAT: (12:05 pm) Firebaugh's death is noted on the websites of the San Jose Mercury, Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, San Luis Obispo Tribune, Monterey Herald, Contra Costa Times and some other blogs—the Bee even has up a staff story—but there's no mention on the website of Firebaugh's hometown Los Angeles Times.