Biography | Issues | Campaign News | Endorsements | Photo Gallery| Contribute | Contact | Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2006 Printer-Friendly Version

CONTACT: Rose Kapolczynski 323-254-5700

UNITED FARM WORKERS ENDORSES ALEX PADILLA FOR SENATE LOS ANGELES – United Farm Workers (UFW) today announced its endorsement of Los Angeles City Councilmember Alex Padilla for the 20th State Senate District. “The UFW proudly stands behind Alex Padilla’s campaign for State Senate. We applaud and appreciate Alex’s unwavering support of working families and commitment to civil rights for all. Farm workers and other working families have directly benefited from Alex’s ability to partner with people like Congressman Howard Berman to make meaningful reform. We know he’ll continue to stand up for us when he’s in the State Senate,” said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez. “I’m extremely honored and proud to have the support of the UFW, which has been an inspiration to so many working families like mine. The UFW has demonstrated the power of people working together to improve their lives and their community. I look forward to partnering with UFW leaders and members to empower more families in the Valley and across California to fight for fair and just rights for all workers,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Alex Padilla. Founded by the legendary civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, United Farm Workers has been successfully advocating for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for farm workers for 40 years. In addition to the more than 27,000 men and women who work under UFW union contracts, the organization works to improve the lives of all farm workers and to empower people through non-violent and disciplined action. Councilmember Padilla is running for the State Senate seat being vacated by State Senator Richard Alarcon. The primary election will be held in June 2006. United Farm Workers joins a growing list of leaders and organizations who have endorsed Alex Padilla for State Senate, including U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer; U.S. Congressmembers Howard Berman, Jane Harman, Juanita Millender-McDonald, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Grace Napolitano, Maxine Waters, and Diane Watson; Los Angeles County Supervisors Yvonne Burke, Gloria Molina, and Zev Yaroslavsky; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Ed Reyes, Dennis Zine, Tom LaBonge, Tony Cardenas, Bernard Parks, Herb Wesson, Bill Rosendahl, Greig Smith, Eric Garcetti, and Jose Huizar; Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton, Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Los Angeles Port Police Association, Association of Deputy District Attorneys, Los Angeles School Police Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Officers Association, California Credit Union League, Los Angeles County Young Democrats, San Fernando Valley Mexican American Political Association, Teamsters Joint Council #42, California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, Laborers Local 300, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, IBEW Local 11, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) California, the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, CWA-NABET Local 53, and Communication Workers of America Local 9400, 9505, 9510 and 9586. ###