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Westside candidates get endorsements in state Senate race
Democrats Sandra Fluke and Ben Allen will face one another in the November runoff for the state Senate seat in the 26th District.
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Fluke Campaign/Allen Campaign
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The two candidates running to replace state Sen. Ted Lieu in his Westside and South Bay seat received dueling endorsements Wednesday from local elected officials.
Democrat Sandra Fluke, an attorney and activist for women's rights, was endorsed by Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin and former Councilman Bill Rosendahl.
"Sandra Fluke will be a game-changer in Sacramento," Bonin said in a statement. "Her experience as a legislative advocate and as an activist demonstrates clearly that she will be a strong and effective voice for our neighborhoods, our values and for social justice."
Her opponent, Democrat Ben Allen, picked up endorsements from West Hollywood Councilman John Duran and former LAUSD board member David Tokofsky. Allen is a member of the Santa Monica and Malibu Unified School District board.
"Ben Allen has repeatedly demonstrated a deep understanding of the crucial issues facing local governments in this district. In Sacramento, he will not ignore the local independent cities, like West Hollywood, but instead be a partner and ally as our state senator," Duran said.
Allen finished first in the June primary with 22 percent of the vote. Fluke placed second with 19.5 percent. They are running to replace Lieu, who is running for Congress rather than seeking reelection.
Fluke and Allen will face one another in the Nov. 4 runoff.
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