Osborn Wins CA Nurses' Endorsement

This week, coverage of has been dominated by Betsy Butler, . But a bit of wind may have come out of the State Assemblywoman's sails on Thursday, with opponent Torie Osborn announcing that she has won the endorsement of the highly influential California Nurses Association.

"This is an incredible endorsement for my Assembly campaign, and it will send an important message all across the 50th district and in Sacramento that my campaign and my track record is resonating with the people who really care about patients, working people and the future of California," Osborn said in a statement.

“It is truly a privilege to have the backing of the California Nurses Association, and I pledge to work hand-in-hand with them to improve our economy, create more jobs, and make sure every last Californian has access to affordable quality health care,” she continued.

The California Nurses Association/ National Nurses Organizing Committee/ AFL-CIO has 86,000 members nationwide. Founded in 1903, the CNA/NNOC has grown by nearly 400 percent over the past 15 years.

In endorsing Osborn, CNA Co-President Malinda Markowitz said, “We need a fresh approach and bold new ideas on how to fix California and rebuild our struggling middle class. Torie Osborn has been at the forefront of many battles for progressive change in California and across the nation. She'll lead the charge on issues Californians care about, such as, protecting our environment, to creating good jobs, expanding access to better healthcare, improving our schools, fighting for social justice, helping to reduce homelessness, and working to ensure equality for all Americans.”

Osborn, a liberal activist who is running for office for the first time,  from Sheila Kuehl (who was the 41st District representative from 1994 to 2000); Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Congresswoman Karen Bass; Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl; and , one of the state's biggest unions.

In addition, from Agoura Hills Mayor Harry Schwarz, Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Kuperberg and former Mayor Ed Corridori.

"Torie Osborn has shown through her career that she is not afraid to tackle difficult issues...like problems of poverty and the homeless," said Schwarz. "She also has a background in working closely with city and county agencies and understands how to best deal with people and the needs of communities."

Osborn raised $215,000 in the first half of 2011, bringing her total fundraising to $294,400.

Meanwhile, Butler has picked up endorsements from Assembly Speaker John Pérez, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel, California Democratic Party Vice Chair Alex Rooker and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. Organizations backing Butler include the Legislative LGBT Caucus and the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

The 50th Assembly District will include Agoura Hills, Malibu, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. The top two vote-getters from the 50th Assembly District primary contest, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November general election.