Vice President Al Gore Endorses John Garamendi for Lieutenant Governor

Gore and Garamendi Forged Bond During the Clinton-Gore Administration; Pledges to “Do All He Can” as He Makes First California Endorsement of 2006.

Sacramento, CA — Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced today he has received the endorsement of Former Vice President Al Gore. The two worked together during the Clinton-Gore Administration, Garamendi served as the Deputy Secretary of U.S. Department of Interior.

Gore released the following statement:

I have had the pleasure of working with my good friend John Garamendi for 21 years. His commitment to Democratic values is strong and proven by his record of advocating for everyday Californians, protecting consumers from fraud and protecting our environment from corporate greed.

While John served as the Deputy Secretary of the Interior I witnessed first hand his dedication to service and to our natural resources, an issue particularly close to my heart. He resolved water disputes, protected the redwoods and established conservation plans in California. John played a key role in helping me develop our national policy on global warming and shares my commitment to addressing this important issue at the highest levels once again.

John's been at the forefront of another issue I care a great deal about, health care. He wrote California's first laws to establish the nurse practitioner and first responder programs. He wrote laws and negotiated settlements with health insurance companies to significantly expand the number of and improve health clinics in rural California. And he authored one of the nation's first universal health care plans.

Finally, the growing special interest power in Sacramento ensures one thing - their narrow agendas become legislative top priorities at the expense of everyone and everything else. John Garamendi refuses to accept campaign contributions from the insurance industry he regulates so Californians always know he is fighting for their interests, not the special interests.

California needs his independent leadership and forceful advocacy to break the government gridlock and address the challenges everyday families face. I whole-heartedly support his campaign to be California's next Lieutenant Governor. I will do all that I can to be sure he defeats Tom McClintock in November.”