Too Close to Call!

June 8, 2012

This is pretty incredible. After being outspent more than 5 to 1 by our opponents, we’re neck and neck with Scott Peters. We’ve surprised everyone and the primary is too close to call.

We probably won’t know anything definitive for another few days. There are likely three thousand ballots yet to be counted, and only 737 votes separate us from Scott Peters. That’s less than 2 votes per precinct. It’s pretty impressive for a campaign run on volunteers and small-dollar donors.

We will be monitoring the votes closely as they come in, but for now, we just wanted to say thank you!

  • Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who dedicated hours to helping elect Lori.
  • Thank you to the folks who hand addressed tens of thousands of letters and post cards.
  • Thank you to the activists who made countess phone calls and knocked on doors.
  • Thank you to the crew that showed at at 5 am on election day (and the day before) to remind everyone to vote.
  • Thank you to our thousands of small-dollar donors that kept our campaign running.

We couldn’t have done this without you, and we are so grateful. We built a people-powered campaign from the ground up, and we’re still in this race.

Today’s the Day! Vote!

June 5, 2012

Today is the primary.

It’s circled on your calendars. You’ve been making phone calls and knocking on doors. You’ve received countless mailers.

Now you just have one job left: You need to vote!

(Don’t know where your polling place is? Find out here.)

We know this is going to be a close primary. Tons of folks have already voted, and more will vote today.

Polling places open at 7 am and close at 8 pm, so be sure to plan some time in your day to go vote. And be sure to tell your friends and family to vote as well.

It’s up to you now. Make sure to cast your vote for Lori Saldaña to send a strong progressive voice to Congress.

Thank you for being a voter!

Last Chance to Contribute to Lori!

June 2, 2012

There are only three days left before the June 5th primary election, and as part of our final push we’re doing everything in our power to reach voters. As part of that effort, we’ve launched our first ad. But we need to raise $7,500 before the primary to keep the ad running.

Chip in $3 to help pay for our online ad buy.

Our online ad campaign uses voter-targeting technology to deliver flash and video ads to the folks that most need to see them. They’re efficient, effective, and cutting edge. It’s one way we’re making sure our message gets out there. Watch the ad below:


We know the more voters learn more about Lori and her positions, the more they support her. These ads are one of the best tools we have.

This is the very last chance to give during the primary to make sure Lori makes it through to the general election. Please add your $3 to help pay for our online ads now.


Progressive Caucus Chair Endorses Lori

June 2, 2012

Congressman Raul Grijalva praises Lori’s progressive credentials, accomplishments as a public servant.


Congressman Raul Grijalva, the Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has endorsed Lori Saldaña for Congress.

“I’ve been following progressive congressional candidates throughout the country, and Lori’s race caught my attention,” Congressman Grijalva says.

“She’s a genuine progressive with a proven commitment to improving the lives of her constituents.”

Grijalva praised Lori’s accomplishments as a public servant.

“Ms. Saldaña is a skilled policymaker who has demonstrated leadership translating progressive values into public policy,” says Grijalva. “And she is definitely not afraid to stand up to moneyed special interests.”

“This is why I’ve given Ms. Saldaña my endorsement, and this is why I look forward to working with her in the Progressive Caucus.”

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, consists of one U.S. Senator, Bernie Sanders, and 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lori says she is honored by Chairman Grijalva’s endorsement, and eager to get to work.

“The Progressive Caucus will be the engine for change in Congress,” Lori says. “I look forward to working with Chairman Grijalva, my former colleagues Karen Bass and Judy Chu, and the other caucus members on policies which will put Americans back to work and restore a healthy and expanding middle class.”

Lori Saldaña’s growing list of progressive endorsements includes:

    • The Progressive Change Campaign Committee
    • Governor Howard Dean and Jim Dean
    • Democracy for America
    • MoveOn.org
    • San Diego Chapter of Democracy for America
    • Former City Councilmember Donna Frye
    • City Councilmember Marti Emerald
    • Progressive San Diego
    • School Board Trustee Richard Barrera
    • Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club Stephen Whitburn
    • Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club Andrea Villa
    • Former San Diego Democratic Party Chair Kennan Kaeder
    • School Board President John Lee Evans

Donna Frye: Why I’m Supporting Lori

June 1, 2012

By Donna Frye

I am writing so you know why I support Lori Saldaña for Congress, and why I believe she deserves your support too.

I first met Lori in 1994. We worked together on a variety of issues, but primarily focused on environmental, quality of life and open government issues. We got a lot done because we identified the problem, did our homework, engaged the public and then provided a workable solution to the problem.

Our work always focused on the belief we had a responsibility to protect and preserve our quality of life and to make things better for the next generation. But we also knew some issues would never get addressed in a meaningful way unless elected officials cared about them as much as we did and were willing to take action.

In the early 2000s we both ran for office and were fortunate enough to be elected to serve the public.

During her six years in the state Assembly, Lori passed landmark legislation and stood up to powerful special interests who threatened the health, prosperity, and safety of her constituents. Lori earned 100% ratings from the Sierra Club, the Congress of California Seniors, Planned Parenthood, and Equality California.

“Our work always focused on the belief we had a responsibility to make things better for the next generation.”

She also rose to the post of Speaker Pro Tempore (the number two post in the Assembly), and used the post to support and pass legislation which benefited all San Diegans.

Today, Lori is running for Congress, and I am endorsing her because I know I can count on her to go to Washington and not forget the people who helped elect her. I do not have to worry she will say one thing to get elected and then forget what she said when she goes to Congress.

Lori stands up for what she believes, even when it is not politically popular. She has strong core beliefs and values, and knows firsthand what it’s like to work on community issues as a grassroots activist. And she has never forgotten that.

Donna Frye served as a member of the San Diego City Council from 2001 to 2009, and was a candidate for mayor of the city of San Diego in 2004.

This Memorial Day

May 28, 2012

Today I join with millions of Americans to commemorate Memorial Day, and I’d like to take a moment to thank our active duty military, our veterans, and their families.

My father was a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years.

Growing up in a military family taught me to better understand and appreciate the dedication and hard work required by our service members, from all branches of the military, and how much they sacrifice every day to keep us safe.

I’m proud to have devoted much of my legislative career to improving the lives of California’s veterans and their  families. I’m especially proud of AB 599, a law which ensures California’s veterans have increased access to mental health services.

This is especially crucial in California, where thousands of service members are returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are dealing not only with the physical injuries of war, but with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

To learn more about my legislative work which has reflected my commitment to veterans and military families, please watch this short video:

And please take a moment today to thank and honor the brave men and women who protect and serve our country. Thank you.

Democracy for America Endorses Lori Saldaña

May 23, 2012

DFA Chairman Jim Dean and Gov. Howard Dean Cite Lori’s Integrity and “Outstanding” Progressive Accomplishments

Further solidifying her position as the progressive Democratic front-runner in the 52nd Congressional District race, Democracy for America (DFA), the grassroots organization founded by 2004 presidential candidate and former DNC chairman Howard Dean and his brother Jim Dean, has endorsed Lori Saldaña in her bid for Congress.

 

Democracy for America has over one million members nationwide.

Jim Dean, chairman of Democracy for America, says “What can’t we say about Lori Saldaña? She’s got great instincts and really showcases the core values of the progressive movement. California’s 52nd District needs a representative who isn’t afraid to do what’s right and dig in to strengthen the middle class – and I know that is exactly what Lori will do.”

Howard Dean, a former six-term governor of Vermont, says “Lori is the progressive Democrat we need to face the extremists in Congress. She is fiercely principled and willing to ruffle a few feathers to do what is right.”

“Lori was named to the first ‘Dean Dozen’ in 2004 along with Barack Obama because I saw in her the combination of integrity, solid progressive values, a background in activism and the perspective of an establishment outsider.”

“Eight years later, she has an outstanding legislative record on the issues Democrats care about: green jobs, single-payer healthcare, protecting the social safety net and marriage equality. If you want a government that the supports a healthy, expanding middle class, we need people like Lori Saldaña in Washington; that’s why I have given her my endorsement for Congress.”

Reacting to the endorsement, Lori says “I’m thrilled. I’ve known Howard and Jim for many years and we have always stood for the same thing: encouraging active grassroots participation in our democratic process. Democracy for America members helped me in my efforts to serve the State of California, and their support will be essential in my run for Congress.”

In addition to the endorsement from Democracy for America, Lori also enjoys local and national progressive support from:

• Former City Councilmember Donna Frye
• City Councilmember Marti Emerald
• School Board Trustee Richard Barrera
• Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club Stephen Whitburn
• Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club Andrea Villa
• Former San Diego Democratic Party Chair Kennan Kaeder
• School Board President John Lee Evans
• San Diego Chapter of Democracy for America
• The Progressive Change Campaign Committee
• MoveOn.org

Support for Military Families and the Need to Integrate Veterans Into the Workforce

May 20, 2012

Click to see Lori's video on support for veterans and military families.

Growing up in a Marine household in Clairemont, Lori Saldaña has long had an appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made by those who defend our nation – and has dedicated much of her legislative work to improving the lives of California’s veterans and military families.

The next step, Lori says, is integrating the incredible technological skills and abilities of returning veterans into the nation’s workforce.

Support for Veterans and Military Families Have Been Key Components of Lori’s Public Service

In 2006, Lori’s California School-Age Military Dependents Act was signed into law, easing the difficulty military dependents face when transferring between school districts within the state.

This was followed in 2009 by Lori’s Military Families Educational Opportunities Act, alleviating many of the roadblocks to academic success the children of service members face when transferring to California schools from states with differing academic, placement, testing and graduation requirements.

Among Lori’s early legislative successes in the Assembly was AB 599, a law which ensures California’s veterans have increased access to mental health services. This is especially crucial in California, where thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are dealing with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Named Legislator of the Year by the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers

While in the Assembly Lori authored legislation to curb predatory lending abuses to military families, as well as legislation designed to expand the state CalVet Home Loan program and provide free tuition for National Guard members at U.C., state and community Colleges.

Lori also successfully championed re-opening the state’s preschools to military children after many were denied enrollment when an inaccurate accounting system counted housing allowances as part of a family’s income. This legislation has prevented the closure of many local preschools near military housing.

For her work on behalf of veterans, Lori was named the 2006 Legislator of the Year by the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

Lori’s spokesperson, Joe Kocurek, says “Lori has a proven track record on policy supporting veterans, active duty service members, and their families. While other candidates wave flags and make empty promises, Lori’s legislative accomplishments demonstrate a tangible and verifiable committment to improve the lives of military families.”

With the June 5th primary approaching, the time to volunteer time or resources in order to enable Lori to take the cause of veterans and military families to Congress is crucial.

Click on the Volunteer or Donate buttons on the upper-right hand side of the page if you can afford to do either, and tell your friends and family: Lori Saldaña represents the middle class, and will bring the concerns and priorities of working families and veterans back to the halls of power in Washington DC.

LGBT Hero Joseph Rocha Endorses Saldaña

May 18, 2012

Cites Lori’s “Fighting Spirit” and “Willingness to Stand Up for What Is Right”

Joseph Christopher Rocha, a U.S. Navy veteran who made headlines for his efforts to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell” policy, has endorsed Lori Saldaña’s run for Congress.

Rocha, who left the Navy after long-term abuse because of his sexuality, says he supports Lori because she stands on a proven record of serving the underprivileged and underrepresented.

“It is Lori’s heart, her fighting spirit, and her willingness to stand up for what is right that allows me to confidently endorse her,” Mr. Rocha says.

Rocha lives in San Diego and recently re-entered the service as a candidate for officer selection in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“As a veteran returning to service, I would be proud knowing that the city I love is represented by a politician with the moral integrity of Lori Saldana.”

Lori says she is honored by Rocha’s support.

“Anybody who meets Joseph Rocha can’t help admiring his character, his unyielding commitment to public service and his willingness to rejoin the military after what he’s has been through,” Lori says. “I am deeply touched to have the support of this remarkable young man.”

Lori has been recognized by Equality California for twice co-authoring the nation’s first marriage equality legislation, as well other bills expanding legal protections for LGBT Californians.

Mr. Rocha’s formal support adds to the growing list of LGBT elected officials and civil rights leaders who have endorsed Lori’s campaign, including:

Nichole Murray-Ramirez  –  City of San Diego Human Relations Commissioner, LGBT Activist

State Senator Mark Leno  –  author of California’s Marriage Equality legislation

Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl  –  first openly gay member of the California Legislature

Assembly Member Tom Ammiano  –  leader of the fight to defeat the anti-gay Briggs Initiative

Howard Dean In San Diego to Support Lori May 22nd

May 15, 2012

We cordially invite you to join the former head of the Democratic National Committee and 2004 presidential candidate, Gov. Howard Dean, as he visits San Diego in support of Lori on May 22nd.

The event with Gov. Dean is co-sponsored by Democracy for America and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, and is happening at the Athens Market Taverna at 109 West F. St. in the Gaslamp District. If you want to join us (and we know you do) you can buy tickets right here.

Lori was named one of the Dean Dozen during her successful 2004 campaign for the California Assembly. The Dean Dozen were a group of 12 progressive Democratic candidates endorsed by Dean’s Democracy for America organization, which also included Barack Obama in his successful 2004 bid for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

Space is limited, so don’t delay. Buy your tickets now for this fun and exciting event in support of Lori Saldaña with Gov. Howard Dean on May 22nd at the Athens Market Taverna.

For more information, call (858) 381-2012 or e-mail Lori Saldaña for Congress, or simply buy your tickets on-line right now!

 

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