News from New York State AFL-CIO

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New York State AFL-CIO Announces Early Endorsement of Michael McMahon for Congress

ALBANY, NY (07/01/2008; 1200)(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 Michael McMahon in the 13^th 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, Michael McMahon enjoys such overwhelming support of the local labor movement within the 13^th 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 Michael McMahon. Michael has cultivated a strong relationship with local unions in his district. Throughout his career in public service, he has shown a keen awareness and understanding of the issues, needs and concerns of working men and women.

"As a result of Michael's longstanding commitment to the ideals of working people, he has received substantial support within the local labor movement in the 13^th 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 Michael McMahon will be elected to Congress in November", said Hughes.

Upon receiving the New York State AFL-CIO's endorsement, Michael McMahon stated, "I am honored to have the support of the AFL-CIO. As Councilman, I worked every day to improve the lives of the working men and women in my district. As Congressman, I will continue to fight for working families by creating good paying jobs, lowering taxes on the middle class and ensuring that Brooklyn and Staten Island receive our fair share of education, healthcare and transportation funding."

The New York State AFL-CIO represents approximately 92,000 working men and women in the 13^th congressional district.

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