I’m on the run this morning — but this press release is worth sharing. Sorry for re-posting verbatim (I’m sure Team Carly won’t mind) — but prominent Democrats backing Fiorina is a big deal…
Parras to Spearhead the Democrats and Independent Voters For Carly Coalition
SACRAMENTO, CA – In reflection of the broad-based support building behind her campaign to defeat Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina today earned the endorsement of former Kern County Supervisor Pete Parra and former California State Assemblywoman Nicole Parra. Together the Parras will spearhead the Democrats and Independent Voters for Carly Coalition.
“Carly Fiorina will be an outstanding U.S. senator, and I am thrilled to endorse her campaign today. Carly has been clear from the start that her focus on Day One in Washington will be to create jobs and grow our economy – the two issues most important to our fellow Californians,” said former Supervisor Parra. “I’m equally impressed by Carly’s commitment to restoring water flow to Central Valley farmers and communities, and I know she will be a terrific advocate for our state in the U.S. Senate.”
Pete Parra was elected to the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education in 1985, where he provided leadership in early childhood development, bilingual education and parental education. In 1996, Parra was elected to serve on the Kern County Board of Supervisors; during his tenure, he helped establish the Kern County Children and Families Commission. Parra also served as Executive Director of Employer Training Resources for more than 20 years. Parra is a Democrat.
“It is my pleasure to endorse Carly Fiorina’s campaign for U.S. Senate today. Carly’s message of job creation and economic growth resonates with voters across California, especially in light of our state’s 12.3 percent unemployment rate. Small-business owners, families and communities all around the Central Valley in particular are struggling, and we need a vocal advocate fighting for us in Washington,” said former Assemblywoman Parra. “Carly Fiorina understands these challenges firsthand, and she will fight for our state as a member of the U.S. Senate.”
Nicole Parra was elected to the California State Assembly in 2002 and served two terms representing Kings, Kern, Tulare and Fresno Counties. Parra began her career as a legislative assistant to Congressman Cal Dooley from 1992 to 1998; she served as Dooley’s district director from 1998 to 2002. Parra is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and of the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Parra is registered decline-to-state.
“With 2.2 million Californians out of work and unemployment rates across the Central Valley above 15 percent, it’s clear Barbara Boxer has again been long on rhetoric and short on results when it comes to fighting for jobs. That’s why Californians of all party affiliations are looking for new leadership in the U.S. Senate,” said Fiorina. “Pete and Nicole share my commitment to getting our state on the path toward economic growth and recovery, and I am honored to earn their support today. Together, I fully believe we will take Washington back, make it listen and make it work by beating Boxer in November.”
In the coming weeks, former Supervisor Parra and former Assemblywoman Parra will together spearhead the effort to recruit support for Fiorina’s campaign from Democrats, independents and decline-to-state voters across California. Fiorina has previously been endorsed by Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, who is registered decline-to-state, and Mendota City Councilman Leo Capuchino, who is a Democrat.