As I diaried before I am involved in Paul Butterfield's campaign.
When SB 810, the California Single Payer legislation was stopped in the Senate on January 31st this year because six Democratic blue dogs didn't vote for it (only 2 votes were needed) I decided to get involved in any campaign to replace them with Single Payer supporters.
The only Senator up for reelection in 2012 is Rod Wright and Paul Butterfield is the candidate that can unseat him. The 35th CA Senate District is new after the redistricting last year.
It turns out the Rod Wright is not only not a Single Payer supporter, he also has a lot of baggage;
State Sen. Roderick Wright indicted on charges of voter fraud and perjury
State Sen. Rod Wright fails to receive endorsement from key labor group
Senate aide got six-figure settlement against Rod Wright
I had the pleasure to meet Paul and his family and he will be a much much better Democrat. He is a teacher, very active in his union.
More about Paul below and an invitation to meet him at campaign HQ this Monday April 30 in San Pedro at 7PM to all Los Angeles Kossacks. There will be food (my contribution.) It is also an opportunity to meet other Kossacks and fellow bloggers.
If you are a Single Payer supporter anywhere, please Rec this diary. The 35th CA Senate district is now the front lines of the fight for Single Payer. Let's send a message to all blue dogs by getting Paul elected.
This is a link to Paul Butterfield's website (where you can donate).
Here is one YouTube with Paul.
The new 35th Senate District is safely Democratic and very ethnically mixed; 22% African American, 12% Asian, 53% Hispanic, 11% White. It covers Watts, Willowbrook, Hawthorne, Compton, Carson, East Torrance, Wilmington, West Long Beach and San Pedro.
Here is a map;
Paul is inviting all Los Angeles Kossacks and progressive bloggers to meet him at his campaign HQ in San Pedro on Monday April 30 at 7PM. Here is a map with the campaign HQ on the corner of 6th and Mesa.
I am in it for the long run. In 2014 I will be helping other candidates replace the blue dog Senators who did not vote for Single Payer.