Politics & Government

Osborn Picks Up Key Union Endorsement

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18 is backing the California Assembly candidate.

The news keeps getting better for Torie Osborn. The liberal activist, who is hoping to fill California's 50th Assembly seat, announced Tuesday that she is being endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18, one of the state's biggest unions.

“ has the leadership skills, the vision and passion to help get California’s economy back on track, and we want to help her win,” IBEW Local 18 Business Manager Brian D’Arcy said in a statement. "When we back a candidate, it's because we know they have their priorities straight, and they’ll fight to create more good paying jobs."

IBEW Local 18 represents 8,000 public-sector employees, including utility workers, electrical workers and clerical workers.

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It is a real honor to have the support of IBEW Local 18,” Osborn said in a statement. “With the nation’s second-highest unemployment rate, currently at 12 percent, Californians are struggling to make ends meet. When I go to Sacramento, my top priority will be good paying jobs speeding up our economic recovery.”

The endorsement is one of many that Osborn, a first-time candidate, has received in recent months. In June, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley announced she is backing the candidate. Osborn has also been endorsed by Sheila Kuehl (who was the 41st District representative from 1994 to 2000), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congresswoman Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Osborn raised $215,000 in the first half of 2011, bringing her total fundraising to $294,400.

The top two vote-getters from the 50th District primary contest, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November general election.

Go here to read more about California's 50th Assembly seat and redistricting:

• "GOP Group Can Start Collecting Signatures to Challenge Redistricting"

• ""

• ""

• ""

• ""

Follow West Hollywood Patch on Twitter and Facebook for more updates, tips and news.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here