NARAL Pro-Choice California PrivacyPAC Endorses Dr. Richard Pan for California State Assembly District 5

Pro-Choice group mobilizes 164,000 member activists as Dr. Pan faces an anti-choice activist and Prop 8 supporter

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California, announced that her organization's political action committee, PrivacyPAC, is proudly endorsing candidate Dr. Richard Pan, a pediatrician at UC Davis Children's Hospital, in the California State Assembly District 5 election. This seat is open, formerly held by termed-out Assemblyman Richard Niello.

"Dr. Richard Pan's experience as a practicing physician and his unwavering dedication to serving the well-being of his community make him a natural choice for assemblymember," Everitt said. "We are proud to support Dr. Pan and we urge our member activists in the Sacramento area to support his election to the California State Assembly."

Everitt also cited Dr. Pan's consistent and pro-active support of pro-choice policies. "Not only has Dr. Pan received a fully pro-choice approval rating from NARAL Pro-Choice California's PrivacyPAC, but his distinctive endorsement by the California Medical Association and his work to ensure that doctors stay closely involved in the community demonstrate his deep commitment to privacy and comprehensive healthcare. He is the only pro-choice candidate in this race," Everitt said.

Upon receiving NARAL's endorsement, Dr. Pan expressed his intent to protect every Californian's right to privacy and quality healthcare.  "I am deeply appreciative of NARAL Pro-Choice California's endorsement.  They have edified my core values of healthcare, education and public safety and I commend NARAL for their ongoing work to promote these core values of freedom and privacy in California."

In what is being described as a "tough race", Dr. Pan is running against Andy Pugno, attorney and self-professed author of Proposition 8, who won the Republican nomination after raising more than $350,000 using the Protectmarriage.com's Yes on Prop 8 contributors list shortly after the anti-marriage equality initiative passed. In contrast, Pan is a lifetime supporter of equal rights, helping to pass a resolution as board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics California District in support of marriage equality.

Dr. Pan also authored an opinion editorial in the Sacramento Bee in 2005, opposing a dangerous parental-notification ballot measure that voters ultimately rejected. Dr. Pan spoke out against subsequent similar ballot measures that jeopardized teen safety. Pugno currently sits on the board of the anti-choice Sacramento Life Center.

NARAL Pro-Choice California's PrivacyPAC is a political action committee that supports pro-choice candidates running for statewide office through financial, organizational, and volunteer resources.  

About NARAL Pro-Choice California

NARAL Pro-Choice California is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization founded in 1978 that works through the political and legislative systems to fulfill our mission:

To develop and sustain a constituency that uses the political process to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion.

In October 2003, CARAL and NARAL Pro-Choice America launched a new chapter -- NARAL Pro-Choice California. Maintaining a vibrant presence in the country's largest and most influential state is vitally important to the pro-choice movement.

California's nationwide influence is unquestioned; maintaining the state's strong pro-choice orientation is a national priority. NARAL Pro-Choice California works on both the state and national levels to protect and defend a woman's right to choose.

SOURCE NARAL Pro-Choice California