NARAL Pro-Choice California PrivacyPAC Endorses Gavin Newsom for Lieutenant Governor and Dave Jones for Insurance Commissioner

Implementation of Federal Health-Care Reform Will Require Strong Pro-Choice Leaders to Ensure That Women’s Reproductive Rights Are Protected

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NARAL Pro-Choice California today announced that PrivacyPAC, the organization’s political action committee, is proudly and enthusiastically endorsing candidates Gavin Newsom for lieutenant governor and Dave Jones for insurance commissioner, offices that have significant influence over the protection of the right to choose.

“Electing pro-choice leaders like Mayor Gavin Newsom and Dave Jones to these offices is another way for voters to ensure reproductive rights will be protected and that California remains one of the most pro-choice states in the nation,” says Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California. “California is lucky to have these two candidates that have so stalwartly supported pro-choice laws and policies. They are the only choices for Choice for these statewide offices.”

Both candidates thanked NARAL Pro-Choice California, which represents 73,000 member activists in the Golden State, for the support and pledged to build on their distinguished pro-choice records as statewide officeholders.

“I’m honored to have the support of NARAL Pro-Choice California in my campaign for lieutenant governor,” said Mayor Newsom. “Throughout my career in public service, I’ve fought for the protection of women’s health, safety and privacy and I'm proud of my record. As lieutenant governor I will continue to be a strong and vocal supporter of the values of choice and women’s empowerment.”

Everitt said the lieutenant governor, as the second-highest ranking official in the state, would be an important ally in promoting pro-choice policies. Everitt said Newsom's opponent, Abel Maldonado, has a very inconsistent record on choice and refused to answer NARAL Pro-Choice California’s questions about where he stands on choice.

In the race for insurance commissioner, Everitt said Jones brings a strong pro-choice record to an office that will be responsible for interpreting and implementing the new regulations at the state level for federal health-care reform.

“I am proud of my 100 percent pro-choice record, and am honored to accept the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice California’s PrivacyPAC,” Jones said. “As California’s next Insurance Commissioner, I will continue my lifelong commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights.”

During his time representing the 9th Assembly District, Jones worked to pass more than 70 bills dedicated toward children and families, education, health-care, privacy rights and civil rights. Jones also serves on the Committee for Health and is Chair of the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. Jones also has spoken out against the discriminatory Proposition 8. Jones' opponent, Mike Villines, who currently represents the 29th Assembly District 29, is anti-choice and touts support from the California Pro-Life Council.

In addition to its support for Newsom and Jones, PrivacyPAC also endorsed the following candidates today:

State Treasurer: Bill LockyerState Controller: John ChiangState Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tom TorlaksonSecretary of State:Debra Bowen

Previous endorsements include:
Governor:Jerry BrownAttorney General: Kamala HarrisAD 5:Richard PanAD 10: Alyson HuberAD 15: Joan BuchananAD 30:Fran FlorezAD 78:Marty BlockSD 12: Anna Caballero

NARAL Pro-Choice California‘s PrivacyPAC supports pro-choice candidates running for California state offices through financial, organizational, and volunteer resources.

For a full list of endorsements, please visit: http://votechoiceca.org/

About NARAL Pro-Choice California and PrivacyPAC

PrivacyPAC is a nonpartisan political action committee that endorses pro-choice candidates for state-level offices. NARAL Pro-Choice California is a statewide organization that works through the political and legislative systems to fulfill our mission. For more information, visit http://www.prochoicecalifornia.org.

for NARAL Pro-Choice California
media contact: Michelle Andersen, 415-292-3677

Source: NARAL Pro-Choice California