New York State AFL-CIO Announces "Early Endorsement" of Eric Massa for Congress

ALBANY, NY (04/09/2008)(readMedia)-- Denis Hughes, President of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO today announced the State Labor Federation’s “early endorsement” of Eric Massa in the 29th Congressional District.

Labor’s endorsements for public office normally take place at the New York State AFL-CIO’s Constitutional or Political Conventions, held every two years during the month of August. However, Eric Massa enjoys such overwhelming support of the local labor movement within the 29th congressional district, the State Federation’s executive board decided to vote earlier than usual.

Once a candidate is endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO, the state federation can immediately begin to coordinate an aggressive grassroots field operation on behalf of the candidate.

President Hughes stated, “The New York State AFL-CIO is pleased to announce its endorsement of Eric Massa. Eric has reached out to local unions in his district, and has shown a keen awareness and understanding of the issues, needs and concerns of working men and women.

“As a result of his tireless efforts, Eric Massa has received substantial support within the local labor movement in the 29th congressional district. Our executive board recognized his vast support and acted quickly to ensure that labor’s extensive grassroots initiative could be developed immediately, and implemented well in advance of the November elections.

“We are confident that with labor’s support, and with the extra time we have to work on this election, that Eric Massa will be elected to Congress this November”, said Hughes.

Upon receiving today’s endorsement, Eric Massa stated “I am deeply honored to receive this early endorsement from the AFL-CIO, and I once again commit myself to standing with the working men and women of America and their families. Today it’s getting harder and harder for families in Western New York to make ends meet because of unfair labor practices and Washington’s failed trade policies. There is a better way forward and it begins by replacing our free trade agreements with fair trade deals that create living wage jobs. It’s time to stop the outsourcing and start building the America of tomorrow. My friends of the AFL-CIO understand this and that is why we stand together.”

The local labor movement will pick up on the New York State AFL-CIO’s endorsement and kick-off labor’s grassroots support of Eric Massa at the Western New York Area Labor Federation’s annual conference. The event will be held this Saturday, April 12th and will feature Eric Massa addressing more than 150 labor delegates, leaders and activists at 12:00 noon.

The New York State AFL-CIO represents approximately 56,000 union members in the 29th congressional district.

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