Prozan Remains Top Fundraiser for June Reporting Period

Strong Momentum grows for neighbor to neighbor, block by block campaign

San Francisco – With the November elections just three months away, District 8 Supervisorial Candidate Rebecca Prozan is holding steady as a frontrunner in the election to replace termed out Supervisor Bevan Dufty.

Fundraising reports for the period ending June 30, 2010 will show Prozan doubling the amount of donors since December, for a current total of $107,000 from almost 600 donors, with 74% of contributions coming from San Francisco residents.

The District 8 Election is one of the most contentious races this year and Prozan’s campaign is making sure she has both the funds and the organization to put her over the top this November.  She plans on filing for public financing later this week.

Prozan’s campaign anticipates her opponents benefiting from independent expenditures.  As an independent candidate, Prozan will remain competitive in both fundraising and field organization through her vast network of supporters and deep ties to the District.

“Our campaign set out to create an operation outside of the usual political camps and it’s working,” says Prozan. “In these tough economic times, voters want city government to do more with less.  I bring an independent, common sense approach needed to rise above the political infighting in order to get the job done.”

Prozan is coming off the heels of a record breaking signature gathering effort submitting 3100 signatures, more than any other Supervisorial candidate citywide.  Her campaign held its campaign headquarters opening this past weekend in Noe Valley with over one hundred supporters in attendance.

District 8 is comprised of the following neighborhoods:  Castro, Eureka Valley, Diamond Heights, Noe Valley, Glen Park, Valencia Corridor and Duboce Triangle.

Today, at noon, on the steps of City Hall, Prozan and her volunteers are turning in 3100 signatures. Prozan’s campaign well surpassed the requirement of 1000 valid signatures from registered District 8 voters in order to waive the filing fee from the Department of Elections.

An Assistant District Attorney and a community organizer, Prozan understands that a successful campaign requires an organized field program and a well-funded operation.

With nearly 600 donors, Prozan hit the $100,000 fundraising mark making her the top fundraiser in District 8.

“This is going to be a hard fought election and requires a block by block, neighbor to neighbor campaign. The signatures and the fundraising demonstrate our ability to organize.” says Prozan.

Prozan’s campaign recently moved in to their new campaign headquarters in the heart of Noe Valley.

“During the course of the signature drive, I’ve heard directly that people want City Hall to fix City issues — reliable MUNI, safe and clean streets, good schools, and affordable housing – and leave politics at the door.” says Prozan. “Our campaign offers an independent common sense approach which voters are responding to.”

District 8 covers the areas of Noe Valley, Castro, Eureka Valley, Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Mission Dolores Valencia Corridor, and Duboce Triangle

For more information about Rebecca Prozan’s campaign, go to www.RebeccaProzan.com.

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Phyllis Lyon and Rebecca Prozan

In a district widely known to have one of the largest LGBT populations in San Francisco, supervisor candidate Rebecca Prozan has garnered the endorsement of LGBT activist Phyllis Lyon. A pioneer in the lesbian rights movement, Phyllis Lyon, was a co-founder of The Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian political and social organization in the United States. Her life’s work has focused on obtaining equal rights and combatting discrimination for the LGBT community. On February 12, 2004 and again on June 16, 2008, Phyllis and her long-time partner in life and activism, Del Martin, were the first LGBT couple to be married in San Francisco, once again paving the way for the LGBT community.

“Rebecca Prozan represents the next generation of leaders in the LGBT community who will carry on the movement for equality,” says Lyon. “I am proud to support her. Rebecca and her partner, along with thousands of couples were part of the historic time in 2004 when gay marriage became legal in San Francisco. She understands the emotional complexities that our community faces in the fight for gay marriage.”

“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Phyllis Lyon,” says Prozan. “Today my wife Julia and I are fortunate to be happily and legally married because of Phyllis and her tireless work. Phyllis’ legacy of activism and courage motivates me to fight for equality until equal means equal.”

LGBT pioneer Phyllis Lyon joins a growing list of Prozan supporters, including: Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, State Senator Leland Yee, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, District Attorney and Democratic Nominee for Attorney General Kamala Harris, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, School Board Commissioners Norman Yee and Rachel Norton, and College Trustees Steve Ngo and Lawrence Wong.

Rebecca Prozan and California State Assemblymember Fiona Ma

In the competitive race to replace termed out Supervisor Bevan Dufty, candidate Rebecca Prozan has secured Assemblymember Fiona Ma’s endorsement.

Assemblymember Ma cites Prozan’s effectiveness on neighborhood issues and history of advocating for equal rights as reasons why Prozan is the best candidate for Supervisor of District 8.

“Rebecca Prozan is an independent leader who has proven time and again that she is the candidate who gets things done,” says Assemblymember Ma. “She is putting forward solutions to help small businesses, families, and transportation.”

Prozan’s 14-year history working for District 8 voters as a Special Assistant to Former Mayor Willie Brown, Legislative Aide to Supervisor Bevan Dufty, and currently as an Assistant District Attorney, are reasons why District 8 voters are joining her campaign.

“District 8 voters are joining my campaign because they need someone in City Hall who will advocate for our neighborhoods,” says Prozan. “I look forward to working with my good friend Assemblymember Ma on how to help our neighborhoods thrive during this tough economic climate.”

Assemblymember Fiona Ma joins a growing list of Prozan supporters including State Senator Leland Yee, District Attorney Kamala Harris, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, SF School Board Commissioner Rachel Norton, SF School Board Commissioner Norman Yee, SF Community College Board Trustee Steve Ngo, SF Community College Board Trustee Lawrence Wong, and the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club.

Rebecca Prozan and State Senator Leland Yee

Rebecca Prozan’s campaign for San Francisco District 8 Supervisor is gaining momentum by receiving the backing of State Senator Leland Yee, an outspoken advocate for children, seniors and public education. Senator Yee is the first Chinese American to serve in the State Senate.

Senator Yee praised Prozan’s continued leadership and long history working with the community as reasons why District 8 voters should elect Prozan as Supervisor.

“After working with Rebecca Prozan for more than a decade, I am confident that she has the experience and skills to get things done for our families, our seniors, and our community,” says State Senator Leland Yee. “That’s why I’m endorsing Rebecca Prozan for District 8 Supervisor. In a time of fiscal crisis, Rebecca is a proven leader who will put our neighborhoods first.”

Prozan intends to follow in Yee’s footsteps by making history herself as the first woman to be elected in District 8.

“Senator Leland Yee has deep roots in District 8 as well as a record of achievement on issues affecting children, families, seniors and public education,” says Prozan. “I look forward to working with Senator Yee to address our city and state’s budget crises.”

State Senator Leland Yee joins a growing list of Prozan supporters including District Attorney Kamala Harris, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, School Board Commissioner Rachel Norton, School Board Commissioner Norman Yee, College Trustee Steve Ngo, College Trustee Lawrence Wong and the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty and Rebecca Prozan

In the highly competitive District 8 Supervisorial election, candidate Rebecca Prozan has received the endorsement of current Supervisor Bevan Dufty.

After staying out of the race for months, Dufty is giving Prozan his strong support.

“Rebecca has proven herself as someone who gets things done for the people of District 8 and this City,” said Dufty.

“For 15 years I have worked with Rebecca — and she has always been consistent.  She works the hardest, holds herself to the highest standards of integrity and shows us that politics should be foremost about helping people.”

“I have seen Rebecca mobilize our City and community to convene a Breast Cancer Summit as well as reforming Taxicab policies, a very thorny topic.  Her strength is in listening to divergent viewpoints, building consensus and then achieving results.”

“It has been wonderful to see Rebecca’s growth; her graduation from law school and her work as a Prosecutor at the Hall of Justice.  Her practical public safety experience will make her a leader at City Hall for ensuring neighborhood safety and best practices to stop recycling individuals in and out of courts and custody.”

Dufty becomes the first Supervisor, not eligible to seek re-election, to endorse a replacement.

“Bevan has always believed that public service is a daily opportunity to make San Francisco a better place.   His endorsement inspires me in making my mark as a leader for this City,” said Prozan.

Dufty joins a growing list of Prozan supporters including District Attorney Kamala Harris, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, School Board Commissioners Rachel Norton and Norman Yee, Community College Trustees Steve Ngo and Lawrence Wong and the co-endorsement by the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club.

Supervisorial Candidate Rebecca Prozan is Top Fundraiser in District 8 Race
Grassroots Base helped Prozan Raise $54K in just 2 months

San Francisco –  In the race to become the next District 8 Supervisor, veteran Prosecutor Rebecca Prozan demonstrates hard work does pay off.  Since Prozan declared her candidacy in late October, over 320 supporters have contributed to her campaign, placing Prozan as a clear frontrunner to replace termed out Supervisor Bevan Dufty.

The District 8 election is one of the most contested November races and early money and support is crucial. “I am humbled by our supporters’ willingness to invest in this campaign and the future of our city,” says Prozan.

Amassing $54,000 in just two months, Prozan raised more money than any other candidate in District 8.

“District 8 has yet to elect a woman for Supervisor and that woman is Rebecca Prozan,” says Dr. Ellee Koss, District 8 resident and Chair of Prozan’s Finance Committee.  “Rebecca’s long history of working in the District and her reputation for getting things done makes her a strong contender for this race.”

73% of Prozan’s donors are San Francisco residents – reflecting Prozan’s deep ties to San Francisco.  She learned the ins and outs of City Hall while working for Mayor Willie Brown as a Special Assistant and Liaison to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.

Prozan served the residents of District 8 as the Liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services.  She was instrumental to Supervisor Bevan Dufty’s victory in 2002 and she later served as his Legislative Assistant.

Prozan’s skills will resonate with District 8 residents.  “As a veteran Prosecutor and grassroots organizer, I’ve worked to improve the lives of San Franciscans everyday but there is plenty of work to be done,” says Prozan.  “Families continue to leave San Francisco, basic services need significant improvement, and we face a fiscal crisis.  All the while, our leaders forget what our work is really about.  It’s about making the City work for all of us.”

District 8 is comprised of the following neighborhoods:  Castro, Eureka Valley, Diamond Heights, Noe Valley, Glen Park, Valencia Corridor and Duboce Triangle.

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Rebecca Prozan, Assistant District Attorney and Grassroots Organizer
Officially Enters the 2010 District 8 Supervisor Race in San Francisco
Early Support from D.A. Kamala Harris and Neighborhood Leaders

San Francisco –  Today, Assistant District Attorney and Grassroots Organizer Rebecca Prozan announces her candidacy for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors.  Prozan seeks to represent District 8, a seat currently held by Supervisor Bevan Dufty who is termed out next year.

Prozan, a Bay Area native and former Obama Delegate, cites her love of San Francisco and a desire to solve city issues as reasons why she is running for Supervisor.

“Hundreds of District 8 residents have shared their concerns with me about the necessity for a reliable MUNI, better schools, and safer neighborhoods,” says Prozan.  “San Franciscans should be able to depend on basic city services.  That is why I am running for Supervisor.”

Prozan’s supporters refer to her long history of working for the community as reasons why she is the best candidate to tackle the City’s tough issues.  As an assistant District Attorney, Prozan is currently assigned to the narcotics unit, and has handled a multitude of felony and misdemeanor cases.

I am proud to support Rebecca Prozan.” said District Attorney Kamala D. Harris, one of Prozan’s first supporters.  “Rebecca’s experience as a community organizer, former LGBT liaison for the City of San Francisco, and Assistant District Attorney gives her the right ingredients to represent the District.  With Rebecca you get someone who intimately understands the role of how city government can improve the lives of everyday people in District 8.”

Prozan’s ties to District 8 are extensive.  She cut her teeth in City Hall, as Mayor Willie Brown’s Liaison to District 8, where she helped residents receive the appropriate attention, information, and timely service on issues such as parks, transportation, crime, land use, and small business matters.   She cemented her work in the District later on as a Legislative Aide to Supervisor Bevan Dufty.

“Rebecca can work with the diversity of District 8 – its neighbors, merchants, and non-profits,” says Steve Adams, Chair of Merchants of Upper Market and Castro, “Rebecca is more than just a promise – she has delivered for the neighborhood time and time again.”

“District 8 needs a Supervisor that understands how to get things done.  Rebecca understands the impact of planning and development on our neighborhoods and our families,” says Zoanne Nordstorm, former President of the Glen Park Association.  “Rebecca has a long history of working in our community.  That is why I am supporting her.”

President Obama’s campaign reenergized Prozan’s commitment to community and volunteer service.  During the campaign, Obama named her his Northern California LGBT Liaison and she was instrumental in recruiting hundreds of volunteers for the campaign.  Inspired by his message of hope and the belief that a government should work for its people, Prozan ran and was elected to be a pledged Obama Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, garnering the largest vote total in her district.

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things – that’s the key lesson I learned from my work in the Barack Obama campaign,” says Prozan.  “This campaign is not about me, but about the parent in Noe Valley who wants better schools.  It is about the neighbor in Glen Park who worries about crime and safety, and about the merchant in the Castro who struggles to break even every month.  This campaign is about the residents of District 8.”

If elected, Prozan will become the first out Lesbian to win a District Supervisor seat in San Francisco.

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For Immediate Release

March 23, 2009

Contact: Caroline Ciccone – 202-863-8148

Gov. Kaine Names Democratic Change Commission To Recommend Changes to
2012 Presidential Nominating Process

Congressman James Clyburn and Senator Claire McCaskill to Serve as
Co-Chairs, Kaine Says

Washington, D.C. — Today, Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman of the
Democratic National Committee, announced the 37 member Democratic Change
Commission, which will recommend changes to the Democratic Party’s rules
for the 2012 presidential nominating and delegate selection process.
Governor Kaine also announced that he has named Congressman James
Clyburn of South Carolina and Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri as
Co-Chairs of the Change Commission.

“This Commission will focus on reform that improves the presidential
nominating process to put voters first and ensure that as many people as
possible can participate,” said Kaine.  “I want to thank all the members
of the Commission who have agreed to serve, including Congressman
Clyburn and Senator McCaskill who have graciously agreed to serve as
co-chairs.”

Governor Kaine went on to say that he hopes to work with the Republican
National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

President Obama first announced his intention to form the Democratic
Change Commission in August 2008, during his presidential campaign.
Delegates to the Democratic National Convention adopted President
Obama’s proposal on Monday, August 25, 2008.

The Democratic Change Commission will address three issues: 1) changing
the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2)
reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus
system.  A copy of the convention resolution establishing the Commission
is below.  The Commission must issue its report and recommendations to
the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010.

The Commission is made up of 35 members and two co-chairs and
represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials,
representatives of State Parties, academics, labor, business, grassroots
activists and other Party leaders.  A complete list of the Commission’s
members is below.

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Co-Chairs:
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Congressman Jim Clyburn
Columbia, South Carolina
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Senator Claire McCaskill
St. Louis, Missouri
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Commission Members:
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Grassroots Activist Jeremy Alters
Miami, Florida
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Political Strategist Jeff Berman
Washington, DC
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Grassroots Activist Ashley Bliss
Atlanta, Georgia
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State Representative Dan Blue
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Political Strategist Bill Carrick
Los Angeles, California
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Mayor Michael Coleman
Columbus, Ohio
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Political Strategist Jeff Forbes
Washington, DC
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Grassroots Activist Joan Garry
Montclair, New Jersey
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State Chair Larry Gates
Overland Park, Kansas
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School Board Member Adelita Grijalva
Tucson, Arizona
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Professor Rob Hampshire
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Former State Chair Ned Helms
Concord, New Hampshire
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Former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman
McLean, Virginia
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Chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
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IBT President James Hoffa
Detroit, Michigan
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Grassroots Activist Roseanne Hope
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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State Senator Steven Horsford
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Grassroots Activist Suzie LeVine
Seattle, Washington
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UAW CAP Director Dick Long
Detroit, Michigan
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Grassroots Activist Andres Lopez
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Former Attorney General Patricia Madrid
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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DNC Member Debbie Marquez
Edwards, Colorado
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State Senator Iris Martinez
Chicago, Illinois
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Delegate Jennifer McClellan
Richmond, Virginia
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Secretary of State Linda McCulloch
Helena, Montana
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Attorney General Tom Miller
Des Moines, Iowa
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DNC Member Minyon Moore
Washington, DC
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Grassroots Activist Sunah Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Campaign Manager David Plouffe
Washington, DC
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Grassroots Activist Rebecca Prozan
San Francisco, California
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DNC Member James Roosevelt, Jr
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
Lakewood, California
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AFT President Randi Weingarten
New York City, New York
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State Chair Meredith Wood Smith
Portland, Oregon
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Grassroots Activist Martin Yeung
Rapid City, South Dakota
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Resolution Establishing the Democratic Change Commission
(This resolution was recommended by the 2008 Convention Rules Committee
at its August 23, 2008meeting and adopted by the 2008 Democratic
National Convention on August 25, 2008in Denver, Colorado)

Section 1.  Establishment of Democratic Change Commission.
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BE IT RESOLVED:  That no later than 60 days after the date of the next
election of the National Chair of the Democratic National Committee
(DNC), the National Chair shall establish a commission (the
“Commission”) to review the Delegate Selection Rules in light of
developments during the 2008 presidential nominating cycle and to
recommend changes to the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2012
Democratic National Convention, not inconsistent with these resolutions,
to improve the nominating process.
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RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Commission shall be known as the “Democratic
Change Commission;” that it shall consist of 35 members and two
co-chairs, all with the right to vote on Commission business, appointed
by the National Chair of the DNC; that its membership shall be equally
divided between men and women and shall be geographically and
demographically diverse; that the DNC shall provide the Commission with
adequate staff and resources to carry out its mandate in accordance with
this Resolution; and that the Commission shall issue its report and
recommendations to the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the DNC no later
than January 1, 2010.
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Section 2.  Timing of the Primaries and Caucuses.
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RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2012
Convention shall provide that no meetings, caucuses, conventions or
primaries which constitute the first determining stage in the
presidential nomination process (the date of the primary in primary
states and the date of the first tier caucus in caucus states) shall be
held prior to the first Tuesday in March of the election year, except as
otherwise provided in the Delegate Selection Rules and recognizing the
valuable role played by the approved pre-Window states in 2008; and
provided that no such meeting, caucus, convention or primary shall in
any event be held prior to February 1 of the calendar year of the
National Convention; and that the Commission also shall review the
sequence and scheduling of primaries and caucuses with a view towards
reducing the scheduling of such events on the first allowable date that
resulted in 22 primaries and caucuses being held on such date in 2008
and toward reducing frontloading within the Window period; and that the
Commission shall review the rules for proper enforcement of the primary
and caucus timing requirements and delegate allocation matters,
particularly with respect to action by the Rules and Bylaws Committee;
and that in making its recommendations, the Commission consider any
revision of the Rules of the Republican Party of the United States
adopted by the 2008 Republican National Convention regarding the
scheduling and sequence of presidential nominating events.
Section 3.  Delegates.
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RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Commission shall consider and make
appropriate recommendations for revisions to the Delegate Selection
Rules for the 2012 Democratic National Convention to provide for a
significant reduction of the number of unpledged party leader and
elected official (PLEO) delegates in order to enlarge the role and
influence of primary and caucus voters in the presidential nominating
process.  The Commission also shall review the formulas for delegate
allocation to assure that delegates are fairly allocated to accurately
reflect the will of the voters and that the right of the delegates to
reflect the sentiments of those who elected them shall be secured to all
delegates.
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Section 4.  Caucuses.
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RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Commission shall consider and recommend
appropriate revisions to the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2012
Democratic National Convention to provide that:
-
a.  the use of a caucus/convention system for any stage of the delegate
selection process by any State Democratic Party shall be approved by the
DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee in accordance with any new specific
criteria to be set out in the Delegate Selection Rules, and which will
be designed to ensure that at each stage, any caucus or convention will
be adequately planned, organized, and staffed; will take place at such
times and in such locations as will meet the requirements of Rule 3 of
the Delegate Selection Rules and will otherwise maximize the opportunity
for full participation by Democratic voters; will be run using
appropriate balloting methods and, as to tiers following the first stage
caucus, will utilize accurate lists of participants; and will afford the
opportunity for meaningful communication of presidential candidates with
their pledged caucus participants reasonably in advance of caucuses and
conventions.
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b. the use of a caucus/convention system for any stage of the delegate
selection process should be organized in a manner that will ensure the
maximum ability of Democratic voters to feasibly participate in the
first-tier caucuses, including consideration of absentee voting in
caucuses to benefit those who cannot attend a scheduled caucus due to
military service, work, health conditions, family obligations and other
similar reasons that prevent attendance in person.
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Section 5.  Status of Resolutions
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RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Commission may address other matters related
to the presidential nominating process and Delegate Selection Rules as
may be identified by the National Chair of the Democratic National
Committee, and that for the purposes of Article Ten, Section 2 of the
Charter of the Democratic Party of the United States, these resolutions
shall be deemed to be “otherwise designated.”