State Sen. Abel Maldonado explained at the March Legislative Lunch why open primaries are now his No. 1 issue and why he thinks they will save California.

He spoke at the lunch in the wake of his key, controversial role in the passage of a state budget, telling the sell-out crowd he felt "liberated" by the experience.

Watch a video clip of his reasons. He also shared some amusing and moving letters he has received -- hear him read them in another short clip.