Independent Voice Endorses Abel Maldonado for Lt. Governor

CA INDEPENDENTS BACK MALDONADO FOR LT. GOVERNOR:

"ABEL MALDONADO PROVED HIS INDEPENDENCE" SAY DECLINE-TO-STATE VOTERS

IndependentVoice.Org, a statewide organization representing the interests of California's 3.4 million "decline to state" independent voters, announced its endorsement of Abel Maldonado for Lt. Governor today at a press conference at the State capital.

"I'm very glad to be standing again on these steps with Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado and was very proud to have stood here with him the day after Prop 14 passed to claim our victory together," said Joyce Dattner, Chair of IndependentVoice.org.

"Abel Maldonado proved his independence when he took on both parties -- including his own -- to place Prop 14 on the ballot. He put his heart and soul into its passage" continued Jason Olson, Director of IndependentVoice.Org. "Because of his courage, 3.4 million independent Californians will be able to fully participate in every round of elections beginning in 2012. That's the kind of tough and nonpartisan leadership that independent voters are looking for."

Independent voters -- called "decline to state" in California -- have been the fastest growing segment of the electorate for the past 10 years. There are now 3.4 million Californians registered with no party affiliation. Much of that growth has occurred in communities of color -- particularly the Latino and Asian communities -- and among young people. Many analysts believe these independents, who fueled the passage of Proposition 14, the open primary initiative in June and Proposition 11, which established a nonpartisan redistricting process in 2008, will decide the states' key elections.

"I am proud and honored to have the support of IndependentVoice.Org," said Maldonado. "I have and will continue to always put California's hard working families first in every decision I make -- regardless of party. I'm proud to serve a diverse state and want to continue my work as your Lt. Governor creating jobs, reforming politics, and ensuring every community has the opportunity to thrive."

Representatives of IndependentVoice.Org, noted that the organization rarely endorses candidates, usually preferring to advance its reform agenda through ballot initiatives. The last candidate they endorsed was Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential elections.

IndependentVoice.Org helped pass redistricting reform measure Prop 11 in 2008 and the open primary measure Prop 14 in June. They are also on the Steering Committee of Yes on Proposition 20 on the November ballot, which would extend redistricting reform to Congressional seats. Maldonado is among a handful of elected officials supporting Proposition 20, which is opposed by both major parties who want to preserve their control of Congress and the Legislature.

"Our message to the 3.4 million California independents who did not want to join a political party is this," concluded Olson. "Decline-to-state is great! But don't decline to vote. We have an independent champion on the ballot in November running for Lt. Governor -- Abel Maldonado. Let's give him our full support."

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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Abel maldonado
• jason olson
• joyce dattner
• independent voters
• california
• decline to state
• endorse
• independent voice
• independentvoice.org

[ReaganSimon]

Abel is an opportunist sell out...