TEACHERS AND FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT RUSS WARNER FOR CONGRESS

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The National Education Association and the Los Angeles County Firefighters endorsed Russ Warner for Congress in the 26th Congressional District, joining the broad-based coalition of political leaders, labor organizations and community activists supporting his efforts to topple 13-term incumbent David Dreier.

The California Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, Warner is a small businessman from Rancho Cucamonga. His support spans the 26th Congressional District, which includes parts of two counties and over 30 cities, covering more than 50 miles from La Crescenta to Rancho Cucamonga, where he and his wife of 35 years, Kris, have lived with their three sons for 25 years.

Firefighting is a dangerous and difficult job, but Russ Warner will help make it safer,” said Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte, announcing his 3,000-member union¹s support of Warner. “He supports increased funding to improve firefighter health and safety, so we can provide better emergency services to the community.”

The most recent endorsements are significant because firefighters and teachers were key players in the powerful Alliance for a Better California, which defeated Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger¹s initiatives last year. David Dreier, who led the transition team when Schwarzenegger was elected in 2004, supported the Governor¹s efforts.

Democratic political leaders such as Congressman Adam Schiff and Congresswoman Hilda Solis have also endorsed Warner. “He stands up for true Democratic ideals and will work hard for America¹s families,” Solis said.

One key endorsement for Warner during the primary season came from General Wesley Clark, the former Allied Supreme Commander who ran for President in 2004. Clark attended a fundraiser for Warner held in La Canada Flintridge that raised nearly $10,000. Clark announced his formal endorsement of Warner and is asking Democratic supporters to help Warner in his battle against Dreier by contributing to the campaign through Clark¹s "Securing America" website. These efforts have resulted in an increase in donations from across the country to Warner’s campaign.

Announcing his endorsement, Clark said Warner is just the type of leader we need in Washington, D.C. Warner welcomed the challenge to run for office at the urging of his son, Greg, who served in Iraq for 17 months. Warner strongly believes in protecting the middle class, supporting our troops, while honoring our veterans, and promoting small business as the foundation of the new American economy.

Russ Warner understands that parents are concerned for the safety and well being of their children and that every parent knows the worry of building a life and legacy for the future. Never before have everyday Americans been so affected by global affairs and the national challenges we face at home and abroad,” Clark said. “That's why we need leaders such as Russ Warner working for us on Capitol Hill ­ bringing with him the common sense of a small businessman and entrepreneur and the worldview of a father who knows that American sons and daughters must live and die with the decisions made in Washington, D.C.”

Since launching his campaign in November, Warner has raised more than $200,000 for his campaign. Dreier's challenger in 2004 raised only $35,000 during the entire election cycle and came within 10 points of defeating him, the closest congressional seat won by a Republican in California.

CD 26 is ripe for the taking by a moderate Democrat,” said David Latterman of Fall Line Analytics, a Bay-area based market research firm that has analyzed the district and its voting patterns.

While Republican registration (45%) is greater than that of Democrats (34%), the independent vote accounts for 21% of the District vote. The independent vote split evenly between Republicans and Democrats in the 2004 race, well before the GOP and Presidential approval ratings were hovering in the low 30s. In addition, since 2002, the GOP has lost nearly 2 percent registration in the district, while the Democrats have lost only .5 percent. This is the opposite trend to most California regions.

There are already early indications that the Warner-Dreier race will be the one to watch following the June primary. Dreier has spent more than half a million on the race, is posting election signs and mailing to voters, moves he rarely makes this early in an election cycle.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who spoke with Warner during the California Democratic Convention, told the Sacramento Bee the Democrats will scrutinize the 26th Congressional District race following the primary.

The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” Warner said. “Working together, we can defeat David Dreier, change the direction of this great country and ensure proper representation for all the people of the 26th district.”

Warner is conducting the most aggressive race launched by a Democrat running against Dreier in recent history. Along with direct mail and campaign signs, Warner is building a cadre of volunteers which have been making telephone calls and walking door-to-door for several months. In March, Warner opened a campaign headquarters located at 10064 Foothill Boulevard, between Haven and Archibald, in Rancho Cucamonga. He plans to open a second headquarters, following the primary, in Monrovia. For more information, please visit the website at www.warnerforcongress.com