Das Williams Leads All Democratic State Assembly Candidates in Fundraising

Williams out-raises his opponent by more than $100,000 in race for the 35th Assembly District


SANTA BARBARA, CA – Highlighting the immense outpouring of local support united behind his candidacy, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams today announced that his campaign for State Assembly officially raised over $330,000 as of the December 31st reporting deadline, and has $288,000 of cash-on-hand four months out from the June Primary. Williams’ official campaign report showed that 75 percent of his contributors came from within Assembly District 35 and that close to half of his contributors were grassroots donors who gave $100 or less.

According to recent campaign reports filed with the state, Das Williams raised more than any other Democratic assembly candidate in California.

“My campaign is all about building a grassroots movement united in the goal of changing the direction California is headed,” said Das Williams. “I’ve got a proven track record as a community organizer and as a City Councilmember, and have delivered on many, many issues up and down the district helping to create good, family supporting jobs, new environmental protections, and more educational opportunities for kids.”

“It’s truly unfortunate that as California’s budget deficit has continued to mount, Sacramento politicians have remained focused on bickering and finger-pointing, and have time and again failed to come together to solve our state’s problems,” added Williams. “People are struggling and frustrated right now, and they want results — not rhetoric.”

Since announcing his intention to run, Das Williams has been endorsed by hundreds of individuals and organizations in labor, public safety, women's movements, health care, the environment, local small businesses, and other key constituencies that make up our diverse state.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, campaign-fundraising, fundraising

Das Williams’ Assembly Campaign Sprints into the New Year with Momentum, Strong Grassroots Support, and Over $300,000 in Campaign Contributions


SANTA BARBARA, CA – Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams continues to build momentum in his bid for State Assembly announcing today that his campaign has raised over $300,000 as of the reporting period that ended December 31, 2009.

The vast majority of Das Williams’ contributors came from within the district.

"I'm humbled by the outpouring of local support," said Das Williams. "Residents and activists are investing in this campaign not only with their checkbooks, but also with their time, their energy, and their hearts. I'm incredibly honored to have earned the support of so many grassroots activists, community leaders, and Democratic constituency groups, all of which are united in their desire to bring change and new ideas to the State Capitol."

Since announcing his intention to run for the Assembly in April 2009, Das Williams has been endorsed by hundreds of individuals and organizations representing labor, public safety, women's issues, seniors, health care, the environment and local businesses. In Santa Barbara, Das Williams has won two city-wide elections and currently serves on the City Council representing about a quarter of AD 35. In addition, he has won dozens of local races as a community organizer in both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Das Williams added, "During this campaign I've seen the frustration and disillusionment on the faces of so many voters in all corners of the district. They're clearly sick and tired of the political bickering, grandstanding, and bad decisions that have paralyzed our state. Voters want results -- not rhetoric."

“Das Williams is one of the hardest working and most committed public servants I've ever seen,” said campaign consultant Josh Pulliam. “Running on a solid record from his tenure on the Santa Barbara City Council and as a community organizer before that, Das is assembling the resources and the local grassroots support to win in June, and, more importantly, to effect positive change in the Legislature."

Das Williams is campaigning to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assemblymember Pedro Nava.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, campaign-fundraising

Dear Friend,

As we count down the final days of the year and look back at 2009, I am truly proud of everything our campaign for the state assembly has accomplished this year.

Since announcing my candidacy for the 35th Assembly District in April, we have passed many milestones and enjoyed great success.

We have built a strong and diverse coalition of supporters - from local elected officials and educators to prominent environmentalists and labor unions. I have spent my days traveling the district to speak with voters about their priorities and share my plans to bring new energy, innovative leadership and a renewed commitment to getting results in Sacramento.

Together we have laid the foundation for a winning campaign. Yet, our campaign has only just begun.

The final fundraising deadline of 2009 is in just three days. It is critical that we finish 2009 with strong fundraising totals and display the power, size, and commitment of our campaign's network of supporters.

That is why I have set a goal of raising $20,000 more before the year-end deadline.

Click here to make a contribution online and help the campaign start 2010 with the resources and momentum we need to win.

People from across the state are closely watching this race. Our year-end fundraising total will be used as a measure of our chances for winning in 2010. This past June, we surprised many - we not only reported a stronger than expected fundraising total but displayed the strength of our local grassroots support - over 80% of our contributors were local supporters.

Sacramento is in crisis and we can no longer follow the same path. We need to put California back on track. We need new leadership, new energy and a renewed focus on getting results. That means putting our local priorities first, reinvesting in our schools, protecting our environment, creating good paying jobs right here at home and ensuring the burden of our economic recovery is not shouldered on our most vulnerable citizens.

It is going to take the commitment and support of everyone possible to make real change in Sacramento. That is why I need your help today. Please Click the icon below to Donate Online:


Thank you and I wish you and your family the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Das

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, campaign-fundraising, fundraising