Rather than Campaign for a Congressional Seat, Buchanan Endorses DeSaulnier

State Senator Mark DeSaulnier can cross off Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan as a potential opponent as she announced this morning she has endorsed DeSaulier for Congress to fill George Millers soon to be vacant seat.  With a potential challenge from Buchanan now put to rest, it appears Democrats are clearing the field for DeSaulnier for a smooth run to the seat.

It should be noted that Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Councilwoman Monica Wilson also endorsed DeSaulnier along with former Mayor Donald Freitas.

Here is the press release that went out.

MARK DESAULNIER RECEIVES PRIZED ENDORSEMENT FROM ASM. JOAN BUCHANAN

Endorsement from Prominent State Lawmaker Marks Watershed Moment in Race for CA-11

CONCORD, CA— Marking a watershed moment in his campaign to represent California’s 11^th Congressional district seat, today State Senator Mark DeSaulnier picked up a significant endorsement from California Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan.

Buchanan’s support is particularly meaningful in a race for the 11^th Congressional district because her 16^th Assembly district has substantial overlap with several communities in Contra Costa County.

Elected to the State Assembly in November 2008, Buchanan’s 16^th district includes portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties and the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Prior to serving in the State Legislature, Buchanan served on the San Ramon Valley School Board, and served four terms as the Board’s President. Currently she is Chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee.

“I’m pleased to support Mark DeSaulnier for Congress,” said Asm. Buchanan. “Mark and I share a common goal of improving California’s schools and making our K-12, community colleges, and universities the best in the nation. I’m confident that Mark will be a strong advocate for our students and families in Congress.”

“Assemblywoman Buchanan is one of Contra Costa County’s most esteemed and highly regarded elected leaders,” said Senator DeSaulnier. “She’s been on the forefront of the effort to enhance and enrich California’s education systems so that our students are prepared for jobs of the 21^st century. I sincerely appreciate endorsement.”

Earlier today, Senator DeSaulnier announced endorsements from the following local leaders:

• Antioch Mayor Wade Harper
• Antioch Mayor Donald P. Freitas (Ret.)
• Antioch City Council member Monica Wilson
• Orinda City Council member Amy Worth
• Orinda City Council member Victoria Smith
• Richmond Mayor Jim McMillan (Ret.)
• Richmond Mayor Irma Anderson (Ret.)
• Pleasant Hill Vice-Mayor Ken Carlson
• Pleasant Hill City Council member David Durant
• Clayton City Council member & Former Mayor Julie Pierce
• El Cerrito Mayor Janet Abelson
• El Cerrito City Council member Mark Friedman

Just yesterday, Senator DeSaulnier won back-to-back endorsements from former Rep. Ellen Tauscher, Assembly member Susan Bonilla, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover.

Last week, Senator DeSaulnier garnered endorsements from Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Alan Lowenthal, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, State Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, State Senator Loni Hancock, State Senator Lois Wolk, and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia.

Currently, DeSaulnier represents California’s 7^th State Senate district, which covers 70% of California’s 11^th Congressional district. Previously DeSaulnier served Contra Costa County as a State Assemblyman, County Supervisor, and City Councilman.