FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT
Labor Leader backs Alger

February 1, 2006 - Los Angeles- As the race for the 38th district seat of the California State Assembly heads toward the nomination deadline, Jim Alger (D-Northridge) picked up a key endorsement, and with it more momentum today.

"I support a candidate willing to stand up for working men and women--especially city workers" said Julie Butcher, General Manager of SEIU Local 347 "The work of Unions and Neighborhood Councils are inextricably linked."

Butcher said that although SEIU 347 is not endorsing any candidate in the race, she has thrown her personal support to Alger.

"Jim Alger took on the DWP and brought LA's Neighborhood Councils a substantive historic agreement-in writing- about how the DWP should interact with 'the people' in the future."

For his part Alger said he was happy to have earned the trust of Butcher.

"Julie has shown once again that she has the courage to stand up for what she believes", Alger said, "I am humbled that she believes in me."

Eluding to what will undoubtedly be a battle over the 38th District Butcher quipped "Though it may be like rooting for Seattle in the Super Bowl, I personally can't resist."

Alger promised a fight to the end.

"For those who believe this seat is one that will be given to hem her this, not on my watch. I plan on taking this race right to my opponents door. The time of Democrats rolling over in this Assembly District has come to an end", Alger concluded.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Michael O'Connell
661-310-0414