For Immediate Release
April 28, 2008
Unions Cite Connolly's Record of Getting Real Results for Working People
Fairfax, VA -- The Service Employees International Union and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 announced recently that they are endorsing Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, in the Democratic Primary for Virginia's 11th Congressional District. UFCW Local 400 is one of the area's largest and most active labor unions, representing more than 40,000 workers in the region and 10,000 in Northern Virginia. SEIU is the nation's fastest-growing union, with more than 1.9 million members working in hospital systems, long-term care facilities, property services and public services.
"I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive these endorsements from UFCW and SEIU -- unions with a growing presence and active membership here in Northern Virginia," said Connolly. "As Chairman, I've stood with working people by passing a living wage, investing in affordable housing and speaking out against anti-immigrant rhetoric and measures. The working men and women of UFCW Local 400 and SEIU deserve a Representative with a real record of getting results on tough issues that matter. In Congress, I promise to fight for fair wages, better benefits and dignity for all working people."
"Gerry Connolly is a man we know and trust," said Jim Lowthers, President of UFCW Local 400. "We've worked with him on a number of important initiatives and he's always come through for us. He cares about working people and knows how to get things done. That's exactly what we need in Congress and that's why UFCW Local 400 will be supporting him 100% in his race for Congress."
"These endorsements cement Chairman Connolly's position as the progressive choice for change in this race," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.
Recently, UFCW and SEIU supported Donna Edwards (D-MD) in a Democratic primary against Congressman Al Wynn. Together, SEIU and UFCW launched an aggressive field operation on her behalf and she went on to win with 60% of the vote. Both SEIU and UFCW were also active in last year's elections for Virginia State Senate, House of Delegates and local offices.
