Assembly Candidates Back 'Occupy' Movement

The three major candidates vying for California's , which includes Beverly Hills, are in favor of the , Patch exclusively reports.

The grassroots protest is railing against corporate profits, worker layoffs, the existing federal-tax structure and other issues. Occupy Los Angeles, which is happening downtown, was launched roughly two weeks ago in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street in New York, which began about a month ago.

"I support Occupy Los Angeles in their efforts to peacefully demonstrate to express their values and discontent," Assemblywoman , D-Marina del Rey, told Patch. "The Occupy movement has grown out of a frustration that so many hardworking Americans are not benefiting from the resources enjoyed by Wall Street and the most fortunate amongst us."

 also stands behind the protesters.

"Everyday people rising up to say 'NO MORE' to inequality is an honored American tradition. It can magnetize an unstoppable social movement for real change," Osborn told Patch. "I embrace this outpouring of students and veterans and teachers—and so many more—fed up with radical inequality and unfair taxation in the richest country in human history."

Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom told Patch that he "absolutely" supports the movement.

"As a grassroots expression of people's concerns and outrage over what's happening in the country and world, it's pretty remarkable," he said.

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