Santa Cruz, CA – Betty Yee, the Chairwoman of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), today endorsed Emily Reilly for State Assembly in the 27th district.

Commenting on her endorsement of Reilly, Yee said, “It is critical to have a candidate like Emily who can hit the ground running in the State Assembly. Her local government experience will be an asset to addressing the state’s fiscal challenges.”
Yee represents the First BOE District, which includes Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara counties. As chairwoman of the BOE, Yee ensures that California’s tax laws are interpreted and applied correctly, and serves as a steward of $50 billion in annual revenues the Board administers for funding vital programs such as public education, health care, natural resources and environmental protection, and public safety.

Emily Reilly said of Yee’s endorsement, “It means a lot to me to have Chairwoman Yee’s endorsement. She knows that I am the candidate with the most experience and the best opportunity to carry on John Laird’s legacy in the Assembly. Not only have I served the public as the Mayor of Santa Cruz, I am a long-time resident, a wife and mother, and a small business owner.”

Currently, it is expected that this seat will be open when John Laird is termed out in 2009. If the term limits initiative passes in February 2008 allowing Assembly member Laird to stay in office, Reilly has said she will not run. The candidate filing deadline is March 2008.

See a complete list of Emily's endorsements here.