FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08-24-09 810AM

The National Organization for Women (NOW) has endorsed Mark DeSaulnier for Congress. NOW joins a long list of organizations in support of DeSaulnier for Congress, including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, and Peace Action West.

“On behalf of all of the members of the National Organization for Women, we are proud to endorse Mark DeSaulnier for Congress,” said National Organization for Women President and PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “Mark DeSaulnier has established himself as a strong and progressive leader in fighting for women’s rights. We know that he will continue to fight against discrimination and advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all women when he is in Congress.”

“I am honored to receive the National Organization for Women’s endorsement for my campaign for Congress,” senator and candidate for the 10th Congressional District Mark DeSaulnier said. “I have fought for women’s rights throughout my service to the 10th Congressional District. As a Contra Costa County supervisor, I recognized the need for women’s health services and introduced a comprehensive Women’s Health Program that included the construction of five new clinics. As assemblyman and senator, I have been a consistent and strong advocate for equal access to health care for women, for pay equity, and I have stood proudly and strongly for a woman’s right to choose. I will continue to advocate for these and other critical issues for women’s equality when I am in Congress.”

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states.

DeSaulnier, a Democrat, has been endorsed by Congressman George Miller, Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, State senators Loni Hancock and Lois Wolk, over a dozen local labor unions and over two dozen local elected officials. DeSaulnier is a candidate for former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher’s seat in the 10th Congressional District. Tauscher retired from Congress in June.

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