Another major endorsement for Manuel Pérez, who already has the strong support of last term’s Democratic candidate, Steve Clute, CA Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Joe Coto, Coachella Mayor Eddie Garcia, Imperial County Supervisor Victor M. Carrillo, Rep. John Conyers and former Congressman Esteban Torres, among others.  Manuel Perez has the strong support of LIUNA 777.   

Here’s Eddie Garcia, Joe Coto, and Manuel Pérez at La Estancia (just down Hwy 111 in Indio, great food)

X-posted at dKos.  Much more below.  Flip it.

I was working as a field organizer in support of a ballot measure that would preserve SEIU-UHW jobs and benefits for the last several weeks (we lost, bad scene now for healthcare workers in Hemet and Menifee), so was out of the loop regarding the Pérez campaign’s day to day happenings.  Just as I get back from fighting the good fight for one union, here’s LIUNA 777 for Manuel.  Naturally.  Manuel Pérez worked the fields with his UFW parents.  Joe Mota, former director of UFW, endorsed Manuel’s campaign early on.  The CA Assembly needs an organizer, a teacher, a local hero like Manuel, and labor knows it. 

If you’ve just heard about Manuel Pérez, the best diary that introduces him is this one by David Dayen, who came out to Indio and talked with Manuel back in September.  He found, as I did, that Manuel is the real thing.  Yes, there are other Democrats in this primary, and many of the establishment in Democratic Riverside feel that Greg Pettis, Cathedral City councilman, deserves the nomination.  They say it’s his turn, he’s the most recognizable, etc.  He has the biggest warchest for the race.  Greg is a great guy, but I don’t believe in party poohbahs assigning our candidates for us.  I believe that the best representative of the people should go to Sacramento.  And for the California 80th Assembly District, Manuel Pérez represents us best, and presents the most compelling change for a district that’s had a Republican rep for far too long. 

I was bantering with a Republican from Palm Desert last month, and he was positively gleeful at the prospect of Pettis, with his money and establishment ties, getting the nod, and then losing to whomever the GOP runs.  I think that voters from Palm Springs to Calexico already recognize that we have a charismatic working class hero, a Harvard MA, a local teacher, and a community organizer who brings women’s health care to the least served communities in the 80th available to us, and we’re going to seize this opportunity to galvanize the district.  Support Manuel Perez for the California 80th AD at his Act Blue page:  Manuel Perez – Putting People First

From the campaign:

Laborer’s International Union of North America – Local 777 endorses Manuel Pérez for the 80th Assembly District; list of supporters continues to grow

Manuel Perez, Democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District, has received the endorsement of the Laborers International Union Association, Laborers Local 777, as well as its umbrella organization, the Laborer’s International Union of North America.

‘He is a strong and clear voice for the communities he serves, and is willing to fight for fundamental rights; fair pay; fair treatment and justice; protections and security for our families; access to health care; better education and better working conditions for the residents of the 80th Assembly District,’ said Fred W. Lowe, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer for Laborers’ Local 777.

Laborers’ Local 777 joins, a growing number of local, state and national leaders who have endorsed Manuel Perez for the 80th District, including Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Joe Coto; Imperial County Supervisor Victor M. Carrillo, Coachella City Mayor Eduardo Garcia, Former Assembly member and Candidate for the 80th AD Steve Clute, Former Congressman Esteban E. Torres and Congressman John Conyers, D-Michigan.

‘I am excited and honored to have received the endorsement of one of the most progressive and fastest growing Laborers’ Union in the United States.  LIUNA has been fighting for working families since 1903 and I want to be part of making history with them as we tackle the 21st Century,’ said Manuel Perez. ‘I will be an ally in the quest to create more opportunities for workers and will fight for better wages, good benefits and safe jobsites.’