By Jim Sanders
Mariko Yamada’s bid for the seat of termed-out Assemblywoman Lois Wolk is getting a hefty boost from an independent expenditure group sponsored by teacher and labor groups.
The California Teachers Association contributed the first $250,000 last week to the effort, called Working Families for Progressive Leadership, whose stated goal is to support Yamada and oppose her opponent, Christopher Cabaldon.
CTA is joining forces with California State Council of Service Employees, California School Employees Association and Service Employees International Union to spearhead the independent campaign, records show.
Cabaldon also has gotten substantial independent support, $350,000, from the EdVoice education group that he led before declaring his candidacy.
EdVoice is financed by some of the state’s wealthiest philanthropists, including developer Eli Broad and Donald G. Fisher, founder of Gap Inc.
Yamada, a Yolo County supervisor, and Cabaldon, West Sacramento mayor, are vying in the June 3 Democratic primary for Wolk’s seat representing parts of Yolo and Solano counties, from Benicia to Winters and West Sacramento.
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