Santa Cruz, CA – The California Nurses Association, one of the nation’s premiere nurses’ organizations and health care unions, today endorsed Emily Reilly for State Assembly in the 27th district.

“Emily Reilly understands the critical challenges we face in our health care system – providing a safe working environment so our nurses can provide the best care to patients, making sure hospitals are providing the quality care to all patients, and of course working to achieve universal healthcare. Emily is the only candidate in the race with the experience and proven leadership to get things done in Sacramento,” said Donna Gerber, CNA’s Director of Governmental Relations.

“Emily stood with us on the front lines as we fought for improved patient care and better working conditions,” said Stephanie Harlan, a Santa Cruz nurse and CNA member. “We, as nurses, can hope for no better champion in Sacramento than Emily Reilly.”

Emily Reilly said of the endorsement, “The California Nurses Association is fighting the good fight on universal healthcare and quality of patient care. I am honored to receive their endorsement.”

The California Nurses Association, and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee, represent 80,000 members in 50 states, representing nurses at scores of hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies.

Reilly has also received a number of high-profile endorsements, including those of California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi; Board of Equalization Chair Betty Yee; Assembly member Patty Berg, the former chair and current vice-chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus; the California League of Conservation Voters; the Women’s Political Committee; United Transportation Union Local 23; the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association and a wide range of community leaders including past and present Mayors of Capitola, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Santa Cruz and members of the Capitola, Gonzales, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Soledad City Councils.

Reilly is a member of the Santa Cruz City Council, the owner of a local bakery, Emily's Good Things to Eat, and a former two-term Mayor. The Assembly seat is currently held by John Laird, who is termed out in January 2009. Visit the campaign online at www.emilyreilly.com.

See a complete list of Emily's endorsements here.