PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                       Contact:  Lisa Tucker

October 8, 2012                                                                                                 (925) 934-0550 or

                                                                                                                           Augie Beltran, Carpenters

                                                                                                                           (209) 993-7340

ERIC SWALWELL ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT OF CARPENTERS UNION

PLEASANTON—The Northern California Regional Council of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters endorsed Dublin City Councilman, Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Congress in District 15.  “I have always been an advocate for the working men and women of Labor and appreciate the Carpenters’ trust in me to be an effective advocate for working families in Congress.”

The Carpenters sited Swalwell’s support for Project Labor Agreements on federal construction projects and protecting Davis-Bacon, which provides for prevailing wages to be paid on federal construction work.  Last week, Swalwell introduced a resolution in Dublin to adopt prequalification standards and local hire provisions for contractors and their workers on local development projects.

“I will always support common-sense initiatives that ensure construction projects are built on time and on budget and that the quality of the construction is a top priority,” said Swalwell.  “I am proud to have the support of the Carpenters.”

More than eighty locally elected officials and community leaders have endorsed Swalwell for Congress across every community in the district.  Support crosses party lines.  Recently, Don Perata, Alberto Torrico and Ellen Tauscher have endorsed Swalwell.  He also has the full support of local law enforcement including every police officer association, the Deputy Sheriffs Association, Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, and Alameda County Sheriff Emeritus Charlie Plummer. 

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Release attached and below.

For Immediate Release                                                                                              Contact:  Lisa Tucker

September 19, 2012                                                                                                   (925) 934-0550

VOTERS DESERVE A DEBATE

Swalwell urges the League of Women Voters to not give Congressman Stark a free pass.

PLEASANTON, CA – Earlier this summer, Congressman Pete Stark declared to local reporters that he would not debate because he would be asked “stupid questions”.  Since then, he has been hiding behind press releases and his campaign spokespeople and has attended few public events. 

Now, the only non-partisan organization dedicated to educating citizens on issues and “making democracy work” – the Eden Area League of Women Voters (LWV) – has declined to host a debate in Congressional District 15.  The LWV is hosting several debates and forums for candidates in local elections including county supervisor and state assembly and is hosting a forum about the statewide ballot initiatives but has left out the local race for Congress.

The race for Congress in CA-15 is attracting local and national press because of its competitive nature and just today DailyKos rated the race a “toss-up”. 

“Voters deserve to hear from Congressman Stark and me on the issues that impact their lives,” said Eric Swalwell, candidate for Congress in CD-15 and Dublin City Councilmember.  “The voters expect debates.  It’s time to come out of hiding.  As a 40-year incumbent, Congressman Stark should be prepared to face his constituents and explain himself.  The League of Women Voters should not give Congressman Stark a free pass from the time-honored tradition of debate and dialogue.”

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Attached and below.

For Immediate Release                                                                                              Contact:  Lisa Tucker

September 12, 2012                                                                                                   (925) 934-0550

SWALWELL CAMPAIGN HOSTS LATINO ISSUES FORUM

Area Latinos are coming together to have a candid and constructive conversation about issues.

PLEASANTON, CA – Tomorrow, Eric Swalwell, Dublin city councilmember and candidate for Congress (CA-15), will host an issues forum with Latinos; this promises to be a candid and constructive conversation about issues.

“This is just one of many efforts I have made to meet with and learn more from the various constituencies around the 15^th District,” said Swalwell.  “I am grateful to Alex Gamarra, the owner of The Mexican Restaurant, for helping with outreach and agreeing to host this forum.” 

Earlier in the campaign Swalwell held a Veterans Roundtable Discussion and conducted a listening tour to major business areas in every city in the district.

WHAT:           Latinos Issues Forum

                        A candid and constructive discussion of issues.

WHO:             Area Latinos (approximately 40 people) and Eric Swalwell, Dublin city councilmember and candidate for Congress (CA-15)

WHEN:           Thursday, September 13 2012

                        6:00 – 8:00 PM

WHERE:        The Mexican Restaurant

                        19950 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                                    Contact:  Lisa Tucker

August 20, 2012                                                                                                 (925) 934-0550 or

                                                                                                                          Jamie Hintzke

                                                                                                                           (925) 876-2380

Eric Swalwell Proposes Closing “Rich Kid Loophole” in Social Security

“Just because it’s legal, doesn’t make it right,” says Swalwell in announcing proposal to close loophole.

PLEASANTON—  Dublin City Councilman and candidate for Congress in CA-15, Eric Swalwell, today announced his support for closing a loophole in granting Social Security benefits to children of a parent eligible for Social Security, but still working and collecting a salary in excess of the earning cap.

Last week it was reported by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Carolyn Lochhead that Congressman Pete Stark’s minor children receive Social Security benefits.  (http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2012/08/17/pete-stark-defends-social-security-payments-to-his-kids-delinquent-dues/)  They are eligible for Social Security benefits because Stark, at 81 years-old, is entitled to Social Security payments in addition to his Congressional salary. 

Stark receives a $174,000 annual salary from Congress and also is eligible to collect Social Security payments.  His children are eligible for Social Security benefits because their father is eligible to collect the benefit.  It was also noted in the article, that in addition to his annual Congressional salary, Congressman Stark, ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee, is worth an estimated $27 million – making him one of the wealthiest people in Congress, and in the country.

“Every person should receive the benefits to which he or she paid into and is entitled,” said Swalwell.  “But, just because it’s legal, doesn’t make it right.  The purpose of granting Social Security benefits to children of retirees is to stabilize the family’s income – the only income of the family -- and ensure the minor children are receiving the necessities they need.  Clearly, the situation in the Stark household is not the intended purpose of this benefit and he’s diverting government money to his kids.”

“If a person is eligible for Social Security but working and earning too much to quality for a benefit check, then I propose closing the loophole that allows his or her children to collect Social Security benefits simply because their father or mother is eligible,” said Swalwell.  “Minor children should only be allowed to collect Social Security benefits if their parent is collecting benefits earned because they are retired, not working and not earning other income above the earnings cap.” 

“It is outrageous that Congressman Stark, one of the wealthiest Members of Congress, is drawing Social Security benefits for his minor children,” said Jamie Hintzke, a Trustee of the Pleasanton Unified School District, an advocate for low-income children and families, and a Democrat.  “This benefit is intended for children of retired, disabled or dead parents, and to keep them out of poverty and ensure the financial future of the children.  For the majority of these children, this is the only source of income in their family. And, at a time when Social Security is more threatened than ever, Democrats lose credibility on an important issue when a senior member of the Ways & Means Committee abuses this loophole.”

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PRESS RELEASE

Not For Immediate Release                                                                Contact:  Lisa Tucker

August 14, 2012                                                                                                (925) 934-0550 or

                                                                                                                           Craig Cheslog

                                                                                                                           (925) 708-5845

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Announces Endorsement

of Eric Swalwell for Congress

PLEASANTON—Today State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson endorsed Dublin City Councilman Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Congress in District 15.  “We need a leader in Congress who understands the immediate need to support our education system and to invest in our public school students so they are ready for the jobs of the future. We need to empower educators to teach not to tests, but to individual needs,” said Torlakson. “I see Eric as a tireless advocate for our children in Congress. I look forward to having him as a partner at the federal level committed to delivering our children a high-quality 21st Century education."

“Tom is a fierce advocate for students and ensuring that local school districts measure up to the highest standards of excellence,” said Swalwell.  “I appreciate his trust in me to be an effective advocate for our students and teachers in Congress.” 

More than eighty locally elected officials and community leaders have endorsed Swalwell for Congress across every community in the district.  Support crosses party lines.  Recently, Don Perata, Alberto Torrico and Ellen Tauscher have endorsed Swalwell.  He also has the full support of local law enforcement including every police officer association, the Deputy Sheriffs Association, Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, and Alameda County Sheriff Emeritus Charlie Plummer. 

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                       Contact:  Lisa Tucker

August 14, 2012                                                                                                (925) 934-0550 or

                                                                                                                           Don Perata

                                                                                                                           (925) 254-3913

Don Perata, Former President Pro Tempore of California State Senate, Announces Support of Eric Swalwell for Congress

PLEASANTON—Today, former President pro tempore of the California State Senate and Democrat, Don Perata endorsed Dublin City Councilman, Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Congress in District 15.  “It is time for new energy and true leadership from the next Representative in Congress for the 15^th District, and Eric Swalwell is the right person for the job,” said Perata.  Perata represented portions of the current 15th Congressional District while serving in the State Senate. 

“Don Perata is known for getting results and I admire that,” said Swalwell.  “I respect his willingness to work across the aisle to get things done for his constituents and the State, most notably when he worked with then-Governor Schwarzenegger to place and successfully campaign for five infrastructure bond measures on the ballot in 2006 to improve roads and mass transit, build more affordable housing, repair levees, and upgrade educational facilities.” 

More than eighty locally elected officials and community leaders have endorsed Swalwell for Congress across every community in the district.  Support crosses party lines.  Recently, Alberto Torrico and Ellen Tauscher have endorsed Swalwell.  He also has the full support of local law enforcement including every police officer association, the Deputy Sheriffs Association, Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, and Alameda County Sheriff Emeritus Charlie Plummer. 

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For Immediate Release                                                                                              Contact:  Lisa Tucker

August 8, 2012                                                                                                            (925) 934-0550

                                                                                                                                    Alberto Torrico

                                                                                                                                    (916) 273-1230

ALBERTO TORRICO, FORMER CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER, ENDORSES SWALWELL FOR CONGRESS

Rep. Pete Stark reacts angrily to endorsement.

Pleasanton, CA – Former California Assembly Majority Leader, and Democrat, Alberto Torrico, endorsed Eric Swalwell for Congress stating, “I’m supporting Eric because he will stand up and fight for working families in the 15^th District.  Our area needs new, sustainable jobs and investments in infrastructure,” said Torrico.  “Eric is the champion we need and will show up and work for us every day in Congress.”

Torrico’s endorsement of Swalwell prompted Rep. Pete Stark to react angrily, call Torrico a “turncoat” and threaten his family and livelihood.  Torrico told Carla Marinucci of the San Francisco Chronicle “within a few minutes, he questioned my sanity, threatened my kids, threatened my livelihood — and questioned my faith.” http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2012/08/08/stark-raving-pete-former-ca-assembly-majority-leader-says-rep-stark-threatened-his-kids-job/.  The incident was also reported by Hotline’s Shane Goldmacher http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/08/stark-explodes.php .

“I am honored to have the former Majority Leader’s support,” said Swalwell.  “I have always admired his progressive Democratic values and his work to improve the courts system and support those in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and victims.” 

Swalwell said, “In America, people are free to support whomever they like.  It is outrageous, but not surprising that Congressman Stark would bully and threaten a respected leader for opposing him.”

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                                                 Contact:  Lisa Tucker

July 11, 2012                                                                                                                       (925) 934-0550

Seven Term Former Congresswoman cites Swalwell’s forward-thinking vision and work ethic in announcing her support.

PLEASANTON—Today, former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher endorsed Dublin City Councilman, Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Congress in District 15.  “Eric represents the best and brightest in the next generation of leadership needed in Congress,” said Tauscher.  “Eric understands the importance of Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories to our national defense and energy security and the unique role they play in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies that are important to the local economy.”  

Tauscher represented portions of the current 15th Congressional District, including the Tri-Valley and Castro Valley during her more than twelve years in Congress and was an expert on nuclear non-proliferation and a leader and effective advocate for regional transportation priorities.  Tauscher was unanimously confirmed Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security in 2009, where she served until February 2012, when she returned to the private sector.  Currently she provides expert advice to the State Department on issues of strategic stability and missile defense. 

For Immediate Release                                                       Contact:  Lisa Tucker

July 9, 2012                                                                          (925) 934-0550

PRESS RELEASE

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley Endorses Eric Swalwell for Congress

PLEASANTON—Today, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley endorsed Dublin City Councilman, Eric

Swalwell in his campaign for Congress in District 15.  "Eric is a good man, respected, worthy and knowledgeable! I am proud to support him in his candidacy for US Congress District 15,” said Miley.

Miley, a Democrat, represents portions of the current 15th Congressional District, including Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and is well-known for his community organizing and his work on behalf of seniors.  “Nate has dedicated his life to public service,” said Swalwell.  “I admire his work to combat crime and to be a voice for those in our community who are less fortunate.”

 Swalwell Statement on Affordable Health Care Act Ruling by the Supreme Court

PLEASANTON – “I am very pleased that the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Health Care Act and that implementation can proceed as planned.  The increased access to health care and guarantee of health insurance and Medicare are a huge victory for all Americans – let’s face it, we’ll all be a patient one day and will need health care.  If elected to Congress, I will fight any attempt at repeal.  The next step:  working on bringing down the costs of health care.”