Labor activist Julio Perez and Santa Ana council member Michele Martinez can both tout endorsements in their race for AD-69. Perez announced an endorsement from Democracy For America-OC chapter while Martinez got a very personal endorsement from fellow Santa Ana councilman Vincent Sarmiento.
From the DFA-OC endorsement:
“Julio Perez will be the progressive champion we need in Sacramento,” said Susan Kopicki, a lead organizer for DFA-OC, which has been a major progressive organization in Orange County since 2003. “He has a proven record of fighting for jobs in our communities. Our members are energized and ready to help Julio win.”
DFA-OC is a grassroots, people-powered organization and a local group of Vermont-based Democracy for America. This endorsement will add to the Julio for Assembly campaign’s volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.
“This campaign is built on the energy of grassroots activists that will help me turn out voters throughout the new 69th District,” said Julio Perez, who leads all other candidates in fundraising and early endorsements. “I am honored to have the support of Democracy for America – Orange County in my campaign to get California back on track.”
Julio is leading the field in fundraising and early primary endorsements. He already has won the support of both teachers and labor, which in recent electoral history, has been crucial to the victory of Democratic Legislative and Congressional candidates in Orange County.
Sarmiento, who is hosting a fundraiser for Martinez on February 23 at his home, sent this personal letter via email last night on behalf of his colleague.
“As a friend and colleague, Councilwoman Martinez has demonstrated that she is the best candidate for the 69th Assembly district. The district is currently represented by Assemblyman Jose Solorio, who is termed-out and has already endorsed Michele for his seat in the Assembly.
Michele is not only the best qualified candidate to represent the district, but during her six years on the Santa Ana City Council she has demonstrated that she is a leader who speaks out and acts to support and protect the interests of the people of Santa Ana. A strong advocate for public safety, education, health and economic development priorities. Michele will be a strong voice for Central Orange County in Sacramento.”
OC clerk recorder Tom Daly and Santa Ana activist Francisco Barrigan are the other Democratic Party candidates for the seat now held by termed out Assemblyman Jose Solorio who has endorsed both Daly and Martinez.
I thought Michele was in the fundraising lead? According to the FPPC reports anyway!
No actually. She may have more cash on hand but the nearly $16,000 she loaned her campaign is a debt she will repay herself later. Take that away and I believe she has less cash on hand than Perez does and a significant chunk of contributions are from outside AD-69. Perez has raised more money and spent some of it on the campaign and to be fair, there’s a lot of unuion money. He does have a lot of contributions from AD-69 residents as well. Martinez’s forms included no funds paid to her campaign consultant in 2011 which we find interesting.