SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN ENDORSES PHIL ANGELIDES FOR GOVERNOR

Senator Feinstein Joins Senator Barbara Boxer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi as Co-Chair of Angelides 2006 Campaign

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Treasurer Phil Angelides today announced that U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein has endorsed his candidacy and has pledged her full support to help Angelides become California’s next Governor. Angelides also announced that Senator Feinstein will join Senator Barbara Boxer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi as Co-Chair of his campaign.

"Phil Angelides has the intelligence, the drive, and the ability to put California back on the right track," said Senator Feinstein. "Whether it is education, public safety, health care or transportation, Phil Angelides is committed to once again making California the leading state in the nation. That is why I am endorsing him for Governor."

"I have known Phil Angelides for more than two decades, and I believe his experience in both the private and public sectors has prepared him to be an excellent Governor," Feinstein said. "He is the right choice for California and I am proud to support Phil Angelides."

"I am honored to have earned the support of Senator Feinstein," said Angelides. "In 1992 we made history together, and I look forward to once again working with Senator Feinstein to build a California of economic prosperity, fairness and broad opportunity."

When Angelides became the unpaid Chair of the California Democratic Party in 1991, Democrats had lost six straight presidential campaigns in California and three consecutive gubernatorial elections. Under Angelides’ leadership, the Party was revitalized and California became the first state in history to elect two women to the United States Senate – Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Angelides also helped Bill Clinton become the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state in 28 years, despite the fact that President George H.W. Bush had a 91 percent approval rating when Angelides took the Party’s reins.

Phil Angelides has earned unprecedented early support and momentum from a broad spectrum of supporters - progressives and moderates, civic leaders, business leaders, environmental leaders, groups representing working Californians, community leaders, and more than 200 elected officials from across the state.

Angelides had a successful career as a businessman before taking office as State Treasurer in 1999, the only elected office he has held. During just six years in public office, Angelides has gained a reputation as an innovative national leader advancing groundbreaking new ideas and initiatives to invest in inner cities, expand home ownership, create small businesses, protect our environment, and increase educational opportunities for young people.