Politics & Government

Villaraigosa Calls Torie Osborn 'A Champion'

Osborn is vying against Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom and others in the race for California's new 50th Assembly District.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa commented on his endorsement of in the race for California's in a press release issued Tuesday morning.

“As a local leader who has worked on some of the most pressing issues of our time, from protecting our environment, to creating jobs, expanding access to better health care, helping the homeless, and fighting for equality, Torie Osborn has proven herself to be a champion for those who need a voice," Villaraigosa said in a statement issued by the Osborn campaign.

"She has demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues that face her district, and I know that she will be a strong representative for the residents of California’s 50th Assembly District," he continued.

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"It is an absolute honor to have the support of such a renowned and well-respected leader in California,” Osborn said. “I look forward to partnering with Mayor Villaraigosa in my campaign and once I am elected to the State Assembly.”

Osborn's main opponent at this time is Santa Monica Mayor , a fellow Democrat.

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Villaraigosa's endorsement of Osborn had been previously announced. The candidate has also picked up endorsements from Congresswoman Karen Bass; Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, who represents the current 41st District that includes Santa Monica; Sheila Kuehl, who was the 41st District representative from 1994 to 2000); and Los Angeles City Councilman .

In other good news for the first-time candidate, Osborn's team recently announced that it raised $215,000 in the first half of 2011. That brings the total fundraising figure for her campaign, which kicked off in late 2010, to $294,400.


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