Jerry Brown boosters hope Magic Johnson can assist election effort

A union-backed group is seeking to give Jerry Brown's gubernatorial campaign a boost by enlisting Earvin "Magic" Johnson in the closing days of the campaign.

Johnson is featured in a new radio commercial aimed at African American voters. The ad says Brown's election is vital so California can have a governor who will "work with President Obama to protect the services that are so important to our community."

Obama's popularity has faltered nationally, but remains close to 60% in California according to the latest Field Poll. Among African American voters, it is still at 88% according to the Pew Research Center.

"Let’s face it. These are tough times and we need a governor who knows how to get our state back on track," Johnson says in the ad. "Join me in throwing one down for Jerry Brown."

-- Anthony York in Sacramento