Santa Cruz, CA – The pro-choice grassroots organization Democratic Activists for Women Now (DAWN) have endorsed Emily Reilly for State Assembly in the 27th district.

“We are proud to support Emily Reilly for Assembly,” said Julie Lind, Vice-President of Political Action of DAWN. “We are confident that Reilly – with her commitment to reproductive rights, women’s rights and progressive issues – will be an excellent member of the California State Assembly.”

DAWN, an accredited club of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, is an organization of grassroots volunteers whose primary purpose is to assist in the election and selection of progressive, pro-choice women to elective and appointive office - and of male candidates who support women's issues as well. DAWN provides accessibility to candidates and forums for addressing issues, determining their impact on women and effective legislative change.

Reilly has 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 Nurses Association; the California League of Conservation Voters; the Women’s Political Committee; United Transportation Union Local 23; the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association; the GLBT Alliance 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.