For immediate release: April 3, 2006	Contact: Douglas MacLean 510-251-9765

Swanson Wins Democratic Delegates Vote At California Democratic Party 2006 Pre-Endorsement Conference

Oakland—Demonstrating incredible party support for his campaign, Sandré Swanson, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Barbara Lee and candidate for the 16th Assembly District, captured 64.8% of the vote (24 of the 37 voting delegates in support) this past Saturday at the Democratic Party’s Region 06 Pre-Endorsement Conference, held in Oakland, California.

Swanson said of the endorsement recommendation, “I am honored to have received such a strong show of support from the Democratic grassroots in our district. I respect the decisions of these party members because they have historically done the hard work to win campaigns. I have been a lifelong Democrat, working in this community my entire career. I am pleased that my 30 year record of service and my campaign priorities to promote the education, health and safety of our children have won their support during this first round of voting.”

Swanson is now within striking distance of capturing the official backing of the state Democratic Party. From the regional endorsement process, if one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the seat will be considered at the state convention on April 29th. If Swanson holds his margin of support and gathers 60% or more of the votes at the Sacramento convention, he will become the Democratic Party’s officially endorsed candidate in the June 6th election. Two other candidates seeking the endorsement were John Russo, who finished second with 21.6% of the vote (8 delegates in support) and Ronnie Caplane came in third with 8 % of the vote (3 delegates in support). 2 delegates voted for no endorsement. This was a public vote by name of the delegates in attendance.

The campaign announced that Swanson looks forward to attending the California Democratic Party State convention in Sacramento this month for the final vote.

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Press Note: On Saturday April 1, the California Democratic Party 2006 Pre-Endorsement Conferences were held throughout California. Region 06 Pre-Endorsement Conference for Assembly, Senate and Congressional Districts was held at SEIU-UHW, 560 Thomas L. Berkeley Way Oakland, CA 94612. Eligible voters included DSCC Members, Alameda County Central Committee Members, Assembly District Committee members from the 14th, 16th, 18th, and 20th districts, and Designated Representatives of Chartered Clubs (1 per 20 members in each Assembly District). Royce Kelley, Chair the Conference 510-841-8453 Conference Secretary, Lucy Sells 510-841-3605