Congressional Candidate Karen Bass Secures Support from Latino Leaders

Thursday, May 13, 2010

LOS ANGELES – Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) announced recent endorsements in her bid for the 33rd Congressional seat from prominent Latino leaders including Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca (D-CA), Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar, and LAUSD School Board President Mónica García.  

“Karen has been a lifelong advocate for working families of every background in Los Angeles and throughout California,” said Becerra. “Now, it’s time to bring her talent and determination to Washington. I am proud to announce my endorsement of her campaign for Congress and look forward to working with her to enact legislation that will restore the American Dream for all working and middle class Californians.”

“Karen Bass is a champion for children and families in Los Angeles and California,” said García. “She has been an amazing leader and shown unwavering commitment for communities struggling for quality schools, access to healthcare and good jobs. She led LA’s call for fair distribution of state dollars to build schools and ensure all students have access to a college preparatory curriculum and to career and technology pathways. As a member of Congress we will have a true champion for our students in Karen Bass, and I wholeheartedly endorse her campaign.”  

“I want to thank all of the leaders for endorsing my candidacy,” said Bass. “These leaders have worked to empower and improve the communities that they serve. If the voters of the 33rd Congressional District see fit, I look forward to working with them to deliver the kind of change our communities need.”

As Speaker, Bass was able to deliver bipartisan results such as protecting 600,000 children from losing their health care, restoring the governor’s cuts to domestic violence programs and helping Californians remain eligible for continued federal unemployment benefits.  

Under Bass’ leadership the Assembly fast-tracked federal economic stimulus legislation that aided Californians who have been affected by the national economic crisis as well as jumpstarted billions of dollars of infrastructure projects across the state.  

Bass has also been endorsed by the Honorable Diane Watson, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the National Women’s Political Caucus, and many other elected officials and organizations including EMILY’s list.