Former CIO enters political arena

John Thomas Flynn, a former first chief information officer in California and Massachusetts, has thrown his hat into the ring for the special election in California's Fifth District congressional seat.Democratic Rep. Robert Matsui held the seat representing the state capital of Sacramento until his death Jan. 1.The Republican Flynn joins a field of 12 candidates, including Democrat Doris Matsui, the late congressman's widow and the favored candidate, according to media reports.Flynn said he has a strong understanding of the federal appropriations process, and Matsui "would be a back bencher in a minority party."