Press Release
Friday, October 19, 2007

Palm Springs Mayor Oden Endorses Rick Gonzales in 80th Assembly District Contest

Mayor Ron Oden highlights Gonzales' public and private sector experience

(El Centro, CA) - Mayor Ron Oden of Palm Springs today announced he is endorsing Democratic candidate Rick Gonzales in his bid for the 80th
State Assembly District.

"I know Rick will put his experience in both the public and private
sector to good use for the people of the 80th Assembly District," Mayor
Oden said. "Rick grew up here and has lived and breathed the issues of
our district. I am confident that Democrats can take back this Assembly seat with Rick Gonzales as our candidate."

Mayor Oden has a long history of community & political involvement in
the 80th Assembly district and his endorsement is a major boost for any Democratic candidate. Oden was elected to the Palm Springs City Council in 1995 and mayor of Palm Springs in 2003.

Gonzales was born and raised in the rural farming community located in
the heart of the Imperial Valley and attended Brawley's local public
schools.

"I am excited to have received Ron's full support today," Gonzales said.
"I will not let him down. We will put issues such as job creation, economic development and the protection of our region's water rights
back on the front burner in the 80th."

Gonzales is a graduate of San Diego State University and served the
public in the nation's capital, working as a legislative staffer in Congress and later in the White House for President Bill Clinton and
Vice President Al Gore.

After earning an MBA from USC, Rick returned to his hometown to give
back to his community. He currently works at Wells Fargo where he is
responsible for making community development investments in affordable housing, including in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, and serves as a member of the El Centro Police Advisory Board and on the Executive Board of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation.

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