New York State AFL-CIO Announces Early Endorsement of Jon Powers for Congress

ALBANY, NY (06/27/2008)(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 Jon Powers in the 26th 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, Jon Powers enjoys such overwhelming support of the local labor movement within the 26th 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. The campaign will include member-to-member initiatives, mailings, phone bank operations, worksite flyers and door-to-door visits to union households on behalf of the candidate.

President Hughes stated, "The New York State AFL-CIO is pleased to announce its endorsement of Jon Powers. Jon has cultivated a strong relationship with 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 Jon's longstanding commitment to the ideals of working people, he has received substantial support within the local labor movement in the 26th 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 Jon Powers will be elected to Congress in November", said Hughes.

Upon receiving the New York State AFL-CIO's endorsement, Jon Powers stated, "I am honored to have the endorsement of the working men and women of the AFL-CIO. My campaign is about putting Americans first, protecting the jobs we have, and building a platform on which new jobs can grow. I look forward to bringing real change and real leadership to Washington and bringing the voice of the middle class back to Congress."

The New York State AFL-CIO represents approximately 111,000 working men and women in the 26th congressional district.

#