For Immediate Release: April 2, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Hanson, 916-225-1775

Florez to launch Lt. Gov. campaign live on the web
First of its kind statewide campaign roll-out encourages voters to participate, ask questions

SACRAMENTO -- Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) will take to the internet Friday, formally announcing his plans to run for Lieutenant Governor of California in 2010 during a live, interactive webcast.

Florez, a leader in the push for accessible, responsive governing, will launch his bid for statewide office Friday at 2 p.m. at http://www.deanflorez.com.

While most leaders announce campaign plans at a traditional press conference and take questions from the media, Florez is tying his announcement in with the launch of his new website. The site allows voters to read up on the Senator’s views and accomplishments, network with fellow supporters and donate to the campaign effort.

California voters are encouraged to log on Friday afternoon and submit questions for Florez to answer during his webcast. He will respond to as many as possible in the time available.

“I look forward to taking my message directly to the people I hope to have the opportunity to represent, and getting very real and immediate feedback on their concerns and priorities,” said Florez.

“I see this as the first interview for the job of Lieutenant Governor. I’d be honored to have the voters’ support and I’m looking to tell them why.”

In his decade as an elected member of the California State Legislature, Florez has used oversight as a tool to bring sunshine to the workings of government and push for reforms. His hearings into the state’s ill-advised software contract with Oracle saved taxpayers $95 million.

Florez has fought for air quality for the smog-shrouded Central Valley, where one in six children must carry an inhaler. He pushed for safe transportation for farm workers, as well as workplace heat protections and redress for victims of pesticide drift. Since the E. coli outbreaks traced to California spinach and lettuce, Florez has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from food-borne illness.

From consumer protection, to gender equity in education; from promoting responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals, to fighting for the water delivery improvements California desperately need to support sustainable communities, water quality and farm worker jobs in rural areas; Florez looks forward to continuing to serve as a tireless advocate for the residents of California.

WHO: Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter

WHAT: Florez prepares for webcast announcement of bid for Lieutenant Governor

WHEN: Friday, April 3, 2009; 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: http://www.deanflorez.com