Eric Garcetti Backs Torie Osborn

Assembly candidate Torie Osborn has scored a new endorsement, from Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, her camp announced Tuesday morning.

Fellow Councilmen and Tom LaBonge previously announced that they too are supporting Osborn. The liberal activist is running for California's new 50th Assembly District, which will include Mar Vista.

“We need fresh thinking to solve our state’s most pressing issues,” Garcetti said in a statement. “Torie Osborn is a different type of candidate. She’s authentic. She’s a leader. She builds winning coalitions. And, she’s got real-world experience of solving tough problems. I’m proud to endorse her for Assembly, because I know that she’ll bring innovation and collaboration and get things done in Sacramento.”

“Having City Council President Eric Garcetti’s support is critical to my success in this campaign,” Osborn said in a statement. “And I plan to work side-by-side with him on finding solutions to rebuild our state’s economy and schools, to create more jobs, all while continuing to ensure strong safeguards are in place to protect our environment and public safety.”

Osborn has also earned endorsements from Sheila Kuehl (who was the 41st District representative from 1994 to 2000); Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congresswoman Karen Bass, , and the . She raised $215,000 in the first half of 2011, bringing her total fundraising to $294,400.

Osborn's primary opponent appears to be , D-Marina del Rey, who is planning to relocate to the 50th District. Butler's endorsements include the , Assembly Speaker John Pérez, California Democratic Party Vice Chair Alex Rooker, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, the Legislative LGBT Caucus and the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, who is leaving the 41st Assembly District due to term limits, and Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel have endorsed both Butler and Osborn.

Also running in the race is Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom, who has earned endorsements from Beverly Hills Mayor Barry Brucker, Malibu Mayor John Sibert and former L.A. County Supervisor Ed Edelman.

The top two vote-getters from the 50th Assembly District primary contest in June 2012, will face off in the November general election.

Be sure to follow Mar Vista Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.