Press Releases

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair and California Democratic Party Vice Chair Eric C. Bauman released the following response on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Ruling on Prop 8:

“Today marks a triumphant victory for justice, equality, and human dignity for all, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down California’s discriminatory Prop. 8 and ruled the California same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

“In the landmark appellate opinion, the Court proclaims that Prop. 8 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and that Prop. 8 ‘has no more practical effect than to strip gays and lesbians of their right to use the official designation that the state and society give to committed relationships, thereby adversely affecting the status and dignity of the members of a disfavored class.’

“This is a defining moment in America’s continuing Civil Rights struggle: from Loving v. Virginia declaring a ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional, to today’s ruling affirming the right to marry for gays and lesbians, the Court has made clear the right to marry is a fundamental right.  One thing is clear: bigotry and discrimination have no place in California and no place in America.

“This ruling cannot be more timely, coming one week before Valentine’s Day.  My partner Michael and I are lucky in that we were proudly legally married in 2008 in California and look forward to celebrating our 29th anniversary together.  We look forward to the end of the despicable barrier to equality that has affected the lives of tens-of-thousands of same-sex couples throughout California.  No law should obstruct the love and commitment shared by two human beings.”

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair and California Democratic Party Vice Chair Eric C. Bauman released the following response on private sector job growth:

“Today’s report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that 243,000 jobs were created in January, continuing 23 straight months of private sector job growth under President Obama. Additionally, unemployment has fallen to 8.3% – its lowest rate in three years.

“When President Obama took office, the economy was in a state of collapse, and America was losing almost 800,000 jobs a month.  Millions of Americans were losing their financial security.  Under President Obama’s leadership, America has been on a steady path to recovery.  Most importantly, the President is fighting every day to strengthen our economic foundation.

“It’s not an easy task to undo eight years of Republican mismanagement in the White House and to battle the Republican obstruction and inaction in Congress.  The last thing we need is another out-of-touch, out-of-sync multi-millionaire Republican like Mitt Romney in the White House, who has no concern for the poor and will recklessly disregard the needs of everyday Americans, who are the backbone of our nation.

“Today, we have been given another example validating the change and hope we voted for four years ago when we elected President Obama.  We are prepared to fight and re-elect President Obama to continue leading America in the right direction.” 

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair and California Democratic Party Vice Chair Eric C. Bauman released the following statement on the State of the Union Address:

“Tonight, President Barack Obama reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen our economy and restore the American Dream for the middle class.  Under President Obama, America has been on the track to recovery: adding nearly 3.5 million private sector jobs in the last two years, cutting the deficit by more than $2 trillion, and curbing Wall Street abuses.  Even so, there is still much to do – reversing eight years of Republican abuses and mismanagement is a daunting task.

“The middle class has always been the backbone of America.  As the President alluded, we need to grow a lasting economy that not only lifts our nation from the current economic downturn, but renews the American Dream for everyday Americans.  Now is the time to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and that everyone does their fair share.  Together, we will strengthen our nation and move America forward.

“We are ready to lead the fight to re-elect President Obama in Los Angeles.”