Jackie Speier for Congress: Press Releases

We did it!

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Message to My Supporters:

Thanks to your help, our campaign won a resounding victory after all the votes were counted last night, garnering 78% of all the votes cast in Tuesday's Special Election.

I'm humbled by the trust that you and all of the voters of the 12th Congressional District have placed in me, and I promise that I will do everything I can, every day, to live up to that trust.

I can't thank you enough for all of your support. The help from friends like you -- the yard signs you put up, the phone calls you made to voters, the conversations you had with your neighbors, the dollars you contributed -- all of this made a real difference on Tuesday. I couldn't have done it without you.

It was a tremendous victory, but now it's already time to get to work. As a matter of fact, I just got off a plane and I am already emailing you from Washington, DC. Tomorrow I'll be sworn in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and cast my first vote as a Member of Congress.

We've got a lot of work to do -- to end the war in Iraq, rejuvenate our economy, make quality health care available to all Americans, protect our environment, fight global warming -- the list goes on and on. And I'm going to need you with me every step of the way.

So stay tuned. I'll keep you updated on the work I'm doing in Washington and frequently ask for your help as we fight for the issues that matter to the people of the 12th District and all Americans.

I couldn't have won this election without you -- and I can't be an effective Member of Congress without you either. I value your friendship and support, and I hope I can count on you standing with me over the weeks and months to come.

Thank you, again, for everything you did for our campaign. We did it -- now it's time to get to work!

All the best,

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

Sierra Club Endorses Jackie Speier

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Ann Schneider, 650 697-6249
Ann.Schneider@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org
April 4, 2008

Conservation Group Praises Work to Protect California's Environment

[Millbrae]: The Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Jackie Speier for the Congressional District12, special election on April 8, 2008.

"We are very pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Jackie Speier for this election," said John Cordes, Co-Chair Political Committee. "We are confident that she will continue work to protect California's environment, for our families and for our future."

Jackie is a strong supporter of high-speed rail, co-sponsoring the 2008 High Speed Rail bond initiative and she pushed for the creation of the Caltrain Baby Bullet, which has lead to a 20% increase in ridership. She has worked tirelessly to protect consumers from toxic toys and for the consumer’s rights to a safe food supply.

"We are deeply grateful to Jackie Speier for her skills and tenacity in taking on insurance, banking and pharmaceutical industries and we look forward to her using these skills to fight for a safe environment for people, plants and animals and to protect California’s rights to set our own greenhouse gas reduction goals. She is a true environmental champion who not only votes correctly on environmental issues, but also will lead the fight to protect California’s clean air, clean water and special places."

Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Jackie Speier's campaign.

"We pledge to do all we can to help ensure Senator Speier is elected," concluded Ann Schneider, Millbrae Resident and Co-Chair of the Loma Prieta Political Committee. "Scores of Sierra Club volunteers will contact voters on her behalf and we will speak to the public as often as possible about his exemplary environmental record. We look forward to a victory party for the environment on election night and to many more years of Jackie fighting for the environment as our U.S. Representative."

# # #

Jackie Speier Announces Over $873,000 In Contributions From All Corner of District

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

For Immediate Release: March 28, 2008

12th District Congressional Candidate, Jackie Speier has raised $873,987.25, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings.

Speier, a former State Senator, Assemblywoman and County Supervisor, pointed out that two thirds of all contributions were for $250 or less, and half were $100 or less. In addition, over 97% of the contributions are from California.

Speier, who has held over 40 neighborhood meetings and has spoken at over a dozen high schools and colleges said, "I've spent my whole life in grassroots politics and it's encouraging to see voters get involved locally, whether by writing a check, making phone calls, or stuffing envelopes. I'm humbled by how many checks we've received for $5.00, $10.00, and even $2.00. The $2.00 contribution came with a note that said, ‘I'm old, broke and forgetful but I want to help.' That really means a lot to me."

Jackie Speier is running to fill the term of the late Congressman Tom Lantos, who served for 28 years prior to his passing from cancer earlier this year. If any candidate wins a majority (50% plus one) in the April 8 Special Election, he or she will be sworn into office immediately.

For More Information: Contact Alex Tourk, Tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com, 415-291-9501.

Jackie Speier Launches "Technology Advisory Committee"

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2008

High powered technology executives and venture capitalists threw their support behind Jackie Speier's bid for the 12th Congressional District and offered their expertise to serve on a committee spearheaded by Speier to bring Silicon Valley innovation to Washington DC.

Google VP & Chief Legal Officer David Drummond and Google Director of Global Policy Andrew McLaughlin joined Angel Investors President Ron Conway and Mike Moritz of Sequoia Capital as members of Speier's new Technology Advisory Committee to provide expertise and know-how on technological advances and how they can best help California.

"Jackie Speier recognizes that our industry can be an asset to finding new solutions to long standing issues facing our economy and the people of the Bay Area", said Ron Conway, who has helped launch companies such as Facebook, Google and Digg.com. "We are all familiar with her impressive record and I appreciate her asking leaders of our industry to come together to find new solutions to complex problems facing our country and I for one am more than glad to participate."

"We need to jumpstart our economy and look at it with a new lens", said Speier. "I am proud to have their support and with their collective experience I have no doubt we will create innovative ideas and solutions that can help the people of California."

Other members include HP Executive VP Todd Bradley, Bud Colligan, Director, Accel, Heather Harde, CEO of Tech Crunch, David Kaiser, former CEO, respondTV & Chuck Parrish, co-founder of Phone.com, now Openwave.

For More Information: Contact Alex Tourk, Tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com, 415-291-9501 or 415-215-1199.

EMILY's List Announces Endorsement of Jackie Speier for California's 12th Congressional District

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

WASHINGTON, D.C. — EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee and financial resource for women running for elective office, today announced its endorsement of Jackie Speier in her bid for California's twelfth congressional district.

"Jackie Speier embodies the tenacity, intelligence, and perseverance needed in Washington," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "Her impressive record as a public servant for over thirty years has garnered her the respect and endorsements of over ninety-two elected officials. EMILY's List and its members are pleased to support Jackie Speier as she works to share her expertise and leadership with her community, the State of California, and the U.S. Congress."

Jackie Speier's commitment to public service began in 1978 when, as legal counsel to Cong. Leo Ryan, she participated in a fact-finding mission to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by the Reverend Jim Jones and his Peoples Temple followers in Jonestown. While the investigative team was boarding the plane to leave, they were fired at by Jones' followers. Five people died, including Cong. Ryan. Speier survived, despite being shot five times and having to wait 22 hours on the tarmac for help. That day changed her life and has shaped her legislative agenda, increasing her determination to give a voice to those who are not heard.

Speier's work as a California state senator focused on important issues such as health care, privacy, consumer protection, child welfare, education, and prison reform. In the legislature, she honed her ability to cross party lines in order to pass needed legislation. The skills she developed in Sacramento will empower her to solve the challenges and problems facing the nation.

"I am thankful to have the support of thousands of EMILY's List members," said Speier. "I believe that a public servant should always stand up for things they believe in even when they stand alone, should always ask questions in order to expose waste and corruption, and should never forget who they are working for."

With more than 100,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is the largest political action committee in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has raised over $240 million to elect 69 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 13 to the U.S. Senate, and eight governors. Over the course of 22 years, EMILY's List has helped elect hundreds of pro-choice Democratic women to federal office, state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.

Jackie Speier's statement on the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Today is a sad day for the Bay Area, our country and, indeed, the world. My heart and prayers, and those of my family, are with Tom's wife, Annette, his daughters, Katrina and Annette, and their families.

Congressman Tom Lantos was an inspiration to anyone who ever dreamed of a better life; he strove to overcome adversity and refused to quit, even against overwhelming odds.

Little did Tom know, as a young man, bravely resisting both Nazis and Communist that his calling in life would take him far from his native Hungary. He could not have dreamed that someday he would serve the United States of America in a position as high as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. And how proud must his ancestors be, after being persecuted and executed for their faith, that Tom Lantos would accomplish so much for the freedom and security of his people and the dispossessed everywhere.

Congressman Lantos’ tireless and passionate work for human rights around the globe is legendary. No one was more articulate, persuasive or tenacious in fighting for all people, and no adversary was too large for Tom.

I have many fond personal memories of Congressman Lantos, as does anyone who was privileged to have known him. Of the many things we can learn from him, perhaps the most important is: Never give up. Fight for what is worth fighting for, because you don't know what life has planned for you.

My only regret is that those of us who proudly called Tom Lantos our Congressman did not have the opportunity to see him one last time, to show him how much we appreciate his hard work and 28 years of service to our district.

I think the highest compliment that could be paid to him is to say, "Congressman Lantos was a great American."

California's Two U.S. Senators Endorse Jackie Speier

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

California's U. S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer today officially endorsed Jackie Speier for Congress. The Senators became the 99th and 100th elected officials to endorse Jackie's bid to become the next Congressperson from California's 12th District.

The Senators include an already impressive list of elected officials endorsing Jackie including Congressman Tom Lantos, Congressperson Anna Eshoo, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

"I am proud to support Jackie Speier for Congress", said Senator Feinstein. "We have worked together on important issues over the years and she is not afraid to take on the tough fights. She is one of the rare politicians who will support publicly what she believes in private."

Senator Boxer added, "These times call for someone with the focus and energy of Jackie Speier. I look forward to working with her on the crucial issues that face her district, California, and the nation."

"Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer have been mentors of mine for many years and I am honored to have their support", said Speier. "I would be proud to continue working side by side with our two Senators fighting on behalf of hard working Californians".

For More Information: Contact Alex Tourk, Tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com, 415-291-9501 or 415-215-1199.

Jackie Speier's Response to Congressman Lantos's Endorsement

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

"I am honored and humbled to have the support and confidence of Congressman Tom Lantos," said Speier. "He has been the conscience not only of the Congress, but of all Americans on human rights issues around the world for almost three decades." "I will be a student of his great leadership in the area of human rights."

Speier added, "Congressman Lantos's endorsement is by far and away the most important to me both personally and professionally."

"I know I speak on behalf of the San Francisco and San Mateo County community when I say that we continue to pray for Tom and Annette during this trying time," said Speier.

For More Information: Contact Alex Tourk, Tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com, 415-291-9501 or 415-215-1199.

Jackie Speier officially announces her bid for Congress in California's 12th District

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Flanked by family, friends, neighbors, and elected officials, Jackie Speier officially announced her candidacy for Congress today at Leo J. Ryan Park in Foster City.

Hundreds of supporters joined Jackie at the park memorialized for her political mentor, Congressman Leo Ryan, who was killed 30 years ago this year while investigating human rights violations in Guyana. "I can think of no better place to announce to my friends, neighbors, and colleagues that I am running for Congress in the 12th District," Jackie said.

Jackie was introduced by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Mike Thompson and former State Senator John Burton, three of the 92 elected officials representing every city within the 12th congressional district who have endorsed Jackie's candidacy.

Drawing on 24 years of public service experience, Jackie emphasized her legislative record on issues including consumer protection, healthcare, transportation, and the environment. She also laid out her plans to spend the next six months in meetings and discussion with the residents of the district.

"Let us come together as we are today, San Francisco and the Peninsula, young and old, gay and straight, black and white, Asian, Filipino and Latino, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans- all of us who love our country and who know that we can do better," Jackie said.

Jackie was also joined by her husband Barry Dennis, her two children Jackson and Stephanie, her mother Nancy, and her mother-in-law Betty

For More Information: Contact Alex Tourk, Tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com, 415-291-9501 or 415-215-1199.