The candidate who wins the primary for the 76th Assembly District must be able to beat an experienced, pro-choice Republican woman. My support for Heidi von Szeliski is based on her ability to do just that. We cannot lose another Assembly seat to a moderate Republican like we did in 2002 when Vince Hall ran against Shirley Horton.

This was a thoughtful decision arrived at with our current unpredictable political climate very much in mind. The 2004 election cycle will be a challenge for every Democratic officeholder and open seats are especially vulnerable. Several Assembly seats currently held by Democrats are targets and in jeopardy.

Maintaining a Democratic majority in the Assembly is a high priority for all of us. In Sacramento many important bills including AB 205 (The Domestic Partner Rights & Responsibility Act) passed with only the bare majority — 41 votes. The bill received not a single Republican vote in any committee or before the full Assembly or Senate. It is essential that we maintain our Democratic seats; our civil rights depend on our Democratic majority.

After Democrats lost the 78th Assembly District in the last cycle — a seat that had been held by Democrats for the last 25 years — we know we cannot afford to lose another. The Republican strategy in that race was not truthful, but it was successful. We cannot invite a repeat of that campaign and risk losing the 76th District. That is why I’m supporting the candidate who can win — Heidi Von Szeliski.

The 76th Assembly seat is a crucial swing seat in the California State Assembly. Heidi is the strongest candidate who can win. It has nothing to do with liking or disliking her opponent. It’s about keeping the seat Democratic so that our civil rights will not be eroded. In fact, I strongly supported Vince Hall when he ran in the 78th Assembly District in 2002 when he ran against Shirley Horton. I committed the maximum financial contribution and worked in Sacramento on his behalf.

Heidi von Szeliski is a friend of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community. She worked to defeat the Knight Initiative in California and has stood side-by-side with the LGBT community in a dozen states to help turn back anti-gay ballot measures and to advance an agenda of fairness and civil rights for gay people. Heidi helped elect the first openly gay or lesbian member of the California State Legislature (Sheila Kuehl) and the Los Angeles City Council (Jackie Goldberg). She’s a 25 year resident of the 76th District. She is pro-choice, pro-environment, and has fought to improve our schools.

In supporting Heidi von Szeliski I’m joined by Senator Dede Alpert and former Assemblymember Howard Wayne. We cannot stand by a candidate who wins the battle but loses the war.

I urge you to vote for the Democrat who can win the 76th Assembly District seat, Heidi von Szeliski.