Former Counterterrorism Czar Richard Clarke Headlines Event for ''Maverick'' Republican Steve Poizner.

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Reformers for Steve Poizner 

--Special Guests Include 9/11 Family Members, Elite Search & Rescue Team, Prominent Democrats Including Marc Andreessen and Former Mayor Tom Mcenery, Plus Rank-and-File Democrats and Independents around Bay Area/Silicon Valley

In an unprecedented move, the intelligence community's voice of reason -- White House whistleblower Richard Clarke -- announced his support for a man with whom he worked hand-in-hand building the nation's next blueprint for national security.

California Assembly candidate Steve Poizner, a maverick Republican, and his former boss Richard Clarke stood together today to discuss the importance of competent and bipartisan government leadership during this anniversary week of 9/11.

"We need government leaders who will do the right thing, regardless of politics," said Richard Clarke. "I worked with Steve for a year during the 9/11 crisis, and I have seen firsthand a person who not only performs calmly under crisis, but also works across party lines to get the job done."

Clarke believes that Poizner is uniquely qualified to serve in the California State Assembly due to his successful stint as Director of Critical Infrastructure in the National Security Council. Poizner, who began work just seven days before the attacks on 9/11, reported directly to Clarke as part of the non-partisan White House Fellowship Program.

"Steve will be an incredible asset to the California Legislature," said Clarke. "He will be instrumental in protecting the numerous landmarks, bridges and critical infrastructure sites in California and would be able to lead a first-response team in the tragic event of an attack."

During today's event, Poizner was flanked by prominent Democrats and Independents who announced a new group -- "Democrats for Steve Poizner" -- to join forces in support of the unique candidate. Marc Andreessen (founder of Netscape), John Doerr (venture capitalist), and former San Jose Mayor Tom McEnery were among the key leaders announcing their support for Poizner.

The candidate was also flanked by 9/11 family members including Alice Hoglin, whose son overcame hijack pilots aboard doomed Flight 93 that eventually crashed into a Pennsylvania field. Hoglin shared her personal experience of losing her son and reiterated the need for government improvements.

Prior to the event, Clarke and Poizner toured the Menlo Park Fire Protection District's training facility to meet with members of California Task Force 3 for National Urban Search and Rescue. The elite team was called to New York City after the World Trade Center towers fell. Members have also responded to disasters such as the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and they returned just yesterday from hurricane-ravaged Florida. Today, they demonstrated extrication procedures for urban rescue scenarios and spoke about the importance of funding at the local and state level.

"I appreciate the work that these fine search and rescue experts perform on behalf of their fellow citizens," said Poizner. "I also appreciate Dick's support today. He is a brave individual who believes in standing by principles, regardless of popularity. I hope to bring Richard Clarke's spirit of bipartisanship and leadership to the California State Assembly."

In a hotly contested Assembly district, Poizner has been resonating with Independents and Democrats alike. He has repeatedly demonstrated his independence by supporting the expansion of stem cell research through California's Proposition 71, supporting a woman's right to choose, opposing offshore oil drilling to protect California's coastline, and rejecting traditional sources of party funding.

Today's announcement of support from both prominent and rank-and-file Democrats and Independents is a sign that Poizner's campaign continues to gain momentum. His campaign recently released outside polling numbers that indicate the come-from-behind underdog is now in a dead heat with his opponent.

For more information, visit www.joinsteve.com

About Steve Poizner

A founder of two high-tech companies in Silicon Valley and a guest high-school teacher in East San Jose, Steve Poizner is a candidate for Assembly in the 21st District. A former member of the non-partisan White House Fellowship program, Steve served in the National Security Council during the 9/11 crisis, reporting directly to Richard Clarke. His most recent innovation includes GPS technology that allows emergency crews to locate a cell phone user when they dial 9-1-1. Steve lives in Los Gatos with his wife Carol (a Democrat) and their 12-year-old daughter.