CONTACT: Heather Sroufe, (310) 392-8715

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 24, 2005

Martin Sheen, activist, actor and star of television's "West Wing," endorsed Kelly Hayes-Raitt for State Assembly. Sheen, a Malibu resident, was impressed with Hayes-Raitt's two humanitarian trips to Iraq and her on-going work for peace.

"Californian taxpayers have spent $26 billion in President Bush's war on Iraq. Now Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to balance our state's $8 billion shortfall on the backs of college students, uninsured children and teachers," Hayes-Raitt said to Sheen. "Our state has sent more soldiers to Iraq than any other. California now has more war widows, more war orphans and more injured soldiers who must rely on our state's social service programs. In Sacramento, I will fight for the true interests that make California special -- our vets and their families, our teachers and other public employees and our children."

Hayes-Raitt is running for State Assembly in the 41st District, which encompasses Santa Monica, Malibu, Topanga, Pacific Palisades, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Port Hueneme and Oxnard.

Sheen and Hayes-Raitt first met in 1993 at a non-profit social service organization that keeps low-income families from becoming homeless, where Hayes-Raitt was a full-time fundraiser and Sheen volunteered. They later met during Santa Monica's Living Wage Campaign.

"I've long admired and been inspired by Martin Sheen's heartfelt activism. We share a willingness to speak up when no one else dares. Since my campaign reflects the values Mr. Sheen embodies, I am proud he is supporting my Assembly campaign," said Hayes-Raitt.

For more information, visit www.KellyforAssembly.com.