For Immediate Release: Monday, March 1, 2010

Contact: Claire Conlon, CYD Executive Director, cconlon@youngdems.org or 916-595-3090 ORLee Weissmann, CYD Communications Director LWeissmann@youngdems.org or 818-398-0993

California Young Democrats Executive Committee Makes Endorsements for the June 2010 Primary Election

Sacramento – On Saturday, February 27, 2010 the California Young Democrats (CYD) Executive Committee interviewed candidates for statewide constitutional office and made endorsement decisions for the June primary election. The Democratic candidates who attended the event were Attorney General Jerry Brown, rumored candidate for Governor; Los Angeles City Council Member Janice Hahn, candidate for Lieutenant Governor; Assembly Members Alberto Torrico, Ted Lieu, Pedro Nava, Mr. Chris Kelly, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, and former Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, candidates for Attorney General; Assembly Members Hector de la Torre and Dave Jones, candidates for Insurance Commissioner; and Assembly Member Tom Torlakson and retired public school Superintendent Larry Aceves, candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. With a turnout of over two hundred Young Democrats from throughout California, the event was a huge success.

“All of the candidates have creative solutions for addressing issues important to young voters and to the state as a whole, such as job creation, economic stabilization, protecting the environment, and access to an affordable quality education,” stated Alissa Ko, President of the California Young Democrats.

Some popular audience questions included asking the candidates’ stance on marriage equality, their beliefs as it pertains to the death penalty, their ideas for fully funding education in California, and their suggestions for ending the budget gridlock in Sacramento.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the California Young Democrats proudly endorsed in the following races:

• Governor: Attorney General Jerry Brown (rumored)
• Lieutenant Governor: Los Angeles City Council Member Janice Hahn
• Attorney General: No Position
• Treasurer: Bill Lockyer (incumbent)
• Secretary of State: Debra Bowen (incumbent)
• Controller: John Chiang (incumbent)
• Insurance Commissioner: Assembly Member Dave Jones
• Superintendent of Public Instruction: Assembly Member Tom Torlakson

CYD endorsed Jerry Brown for Governor because we know California needs strong leadership in this difficult time. Brown’s decades of experience in public service and dedication to Democratic values give us hope that we can get California back on track.

Janice Hahn has shown her commitment to young voters, exhibits a willingness to listen and will be a strong advocate for students. We look forward to having Janice Hahn serve as our UC Regent, CSU Trustee, and State Lands Commissioner.

Tom Torlakson has made a lifelong commitment to public education as a teacher, a school board member, and a legislator; we know he’ll be a perfect fit as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Dave Jones is ready to fight the tough fights with the insurance industry on behalf of young consumers. His background as a legal aid attorney, local elected official, and Assembly Member whose deep commitment to consumer protection and working families is indisputable makes him well prepared to be an incredibly effective Insurance Commissioner.

The California Young Democrats also took positions on the following ballot initiatives:

• Proposition 13 (Property Tax): Oppose
• Proposition 14 (Open Primary): Oppose
• Proposition 15 (California Fair Elections Act): Support
• Proposition 16 (2/3 Requirement for Local Public Electricity Providers): Oppose
• Proposition 17 (Auto Insurance): Oppose

California Democracy Act (in circulation): Support

California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act (in circulation): Support

CYD looks forward to working with and for our endorsees, and will be listing them on our website, featuring them in our Young Voter guide that will be distributed up and down the state, and utilizing our highly successful Peer-to-Peer method of campaigning to make sure our fellow young Democrats are aware of these candidates and why they are the best choice to lead California.

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The California Young Democrats (CYD) is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 14-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to Peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work everyday to promote social justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.

The California College Democrats (CCD) is the official College student arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive students.

The California High School Democrats (CAHSD) is the official High School student arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive students.