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On Wednesday night, Mayor Villaraigosa spoke at the Eve of Justice Rally in Los Angeles and reaffirmed his commitment to stand with LGBT couples across California as they continue to fight for equal rights and protections. Here’s some video of his comments and the reaffirmation ceremony:

As the Mayor said Wednesday, “There’s something terribly wrong with a system when it takes two thirds vote to pass an annual budget or a simple spending bill, but only a slight majority to rip away people’s fundamental right to marry. We’re here today because we want to change that, and beginning tomorrow, we will.”

Like many of you, the Mayor and all of us here anxiously watched the proceedings at the California Supreme Court yesterday and feel much of the same nervousness I’m sure you do, but also cautious optimism. As Mayor Villaraigosa told the crowd at the Eve of Justice Vigil, “Martin Luther King Jr. said that the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.  Let us do our part in encouraging the court to uphold this precept, that equality requires that all people be entitled to the same rights.  Let us all continue to work for justice.”

Let’s all hope that the California Supreme Court rules with compassion towards the loving families affected by the passage of Prop 8.

One of the goals of this campaign was to provide our supporters with a variety of online tools to help them get engaged and take part in our movement. That’s why, last week, we released a new Facebook application that we want to share with you. Our grassroots supporters can now pledge to vote for Mayor Villaraigosa and share their pledge with all their friends by adding the application.

By taking the pledge, you’ll be letting your friends and family know how you’ll be voting this March 3rd and helping to spread our message to your community. It’s what makes the internet such a powerful tool: the invaluable capacity to connect us directly to our grassroots supporters and their own communities of influence. Check the app out here:

We also wanted to give you a first look at our new ad, just released today. Markham Middle School student Zoe Hodge describes the considerable progress in her neighborhood thanks to Mayor Villaraigosa’s crackdown on crime and close involvement in improving LA schools. We’re proud to have Zoe and her family’s support and vote. Join them by adding the Antonio for LA Facebook Application and pledging your vote as well.

In preparation for our official campaign kickoff tomorrow, I wanted to share with you two new TV ads that feature the reason why we’re in this campaign: real Angelenos. The ads feature Olga and Eleni, two Angelenos who have felt first-hand the effects of the Mayor’s tenure and want to share with you the reasons they’re supporting his re-election. Check them out: