Advantage #1: The Numbers - Manuel has a huge advantage in registration as Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 10%. In addition, Manuel has strong crossover appeal, as nearly 40% of DTS/Independents and nearly 20% of Republicans are Latino.
Advantage #2: The Nominee - Manuel grew up in both parts of the district and has strong roots in both Imperial and Riverside Counties. Manuel provides healthcare to children, seniors and families within all parts of the district as Health Director for community health clinics. He's an education leader and former teacher in the district helping build new schools and modernize classrooms. Manuel also knows first hand the struggles of families and has worked towards job creation and economic development in the area - he will win on the issues that matter most in the district.
Advantage #3: The Polling - General election polling shows Manuel has a big advantage: "Even at this early stage in the race, Perez has opened up a substantial lead against Jeandron, garnering 47% of the vote, just three points shy from a majority. Gary Jeandron trails far behind at 36%, with 18% of voters still undecided. While some voters initially hold back from committing to a candidate, once they hear more about both candidates with only positive and biographical statements pulled from their own websites and campaign materials, Perez jumps ahead even further, capturing a majority of the vote (52%), while Jeandron falls further behind, only reaching 39%," said pollster Heidi von Szeliski.
Advantage #4: The Ground Operation - Manuel Perez is a grassroots organizer and won a four candidate primary in which three candidates were Latino because of his strong ground and GOTV operations. The campaign knocked on more doors, ID'ed more supporters and GOTV'ed more voters. Grassroots made the difference in June and will make the difference in November. (Hat tip to the brave and brilliant labor organizers, who pulled their weight and then some along with the campaign volunteers.)
For more information on Manuel Perez and to download the complete polling memo, please visitwww.manuelperezforassembly.com/news.htm
I'm going to Netroots Nation tomorrow, as last year, with happy tidings of a candidate who meets the netroots demand for more and better Democrats. Show the love here at his ActBlue page.
