UAW, SEIU, LIUNA, AFSCME Endorse Russ Feingold

MIDDLETON – Today the United Automobile Workers (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorsed Russ Feingold’s bid for U.S. Senate. Russ earned the endorsements because of his commitment to creating an economy that works for working and middle class Wisconsinites and fierce advocacy for an increase to the federal minimum wage, safe working conditions, a secure retirement, access to quality, affordable healthcare, and the right for all Wisconsin workers to collectively bargain with their employers.

“On behalf of all of our members over 7,000 active and over 18,000 retirees, we are proud to endorse Russ Feingold for U S Senate for Wisconsin,” said Ron McInroy, UAW Region 4 Director. “Russ has a long history of supporting the working men and women of Wisconsin. His progressive values are important to our members, his protection of Social Security for our retirees and his commitment to keep Medicare and Medicaid strong is important to all of our members,” said McInroy.

“Russ Feingold understands that Wisconsin thrives when Wisconsin’s workers thrive,” said, Dian Palmer, President SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin. “Wisconsin needs a senator who will fight for working families, who will fight to raise the minimum wage, who will fight to increase access to healthcare, who will fight to protect Social Security and Medicare — not privatize our voucherize them. In this race, there is only one candidate who has proven to be that fighter. That candidate is Russ Feingold,” said Palmer.

“The Wisconsin Laborers are proud to endorse Russ Feingold for US Senate,” said John Schmitt, President of the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council. “Russ is a champion in protecting Social Security and Medicare benefits for all retirees! Russ has always been a true friend of Labor, defending the right to organize and collectively bargain. There is no other candidate that will stand up for working men and women, and advocate for the issues that effect the average American.”

“As members of AFSCME, we’re not just proud, we’re excited to stand with Russ Feingold this fall,” stated Paul Spink, President AFSCME Council 32. “His integrity and commitment to the people and ideals that represent Wisconsin’s best traditions make him the clear choice for the U.S. Senate. Russ is a proven leader who is not afraid to meet with and listen to all of the people of this great state. We know he’ll make sure our voices are well represented in Washington D.C. With Russ in the Senate again, working people will have a real champion ready to stand up and fight for our future.”

While Russ is focused on increasing wages for Wisconsin’s working families, Sen. Ron Johnson thinks there shouldn’t even be a federal minimum wage, and says that any increase would “destroy people’s opportunity.” Russ is focused on protecting and creating good family-supporting Wisconsin jobs, while Senator Johnson votes for trade deals and tax policies that continue to send our jobs overseas.

Russ for Wisconsin

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.