FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07-10-09 115PM

United Steel Workers Local 5 has announced its endorsement of Sen. Mark DeSaulnier for Congress. USW Local 5 joins a long list of local labor organizations in support of DeSaulnier for Congress, including the Contra Costa Central Labor Council, the Alameda Central Labor Council, and the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council.

In the last several weeks, DeSaulnier has continued to increase the number of endorsements from local labor unions, representing thousands of workers in the 10th Congressional District. DeSaulnier’s support from local labor far outstrips the support other candidates in the race have received from local labor unions within the 10th CD.

“We are proud to support Senator Mark DeSaulnier for Congress,” said Secretary-Treasurer of United Steel Workers Local 5 Jeff Clark. “Mark’s tireless efforts to help children, families and workers enjoy a better life, along with his dedication to the health and safety of working people, made our decision to endorse his candidacy an easy one.

“When Mark goes to Washington, he will continue to be a powerful voice for working families, just as he has throughout his entire career in public service.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement from the United Steel Workers Local 5,” said DeSaulnier. “As a state senator, state Assembly member and Contra Costa County supervisor, I have fought to protect working families in Contra Costa County and have been an advocate for workers’ rights. When I am in Congress, I will continue to advocate for universal health care and work to restore economic growth to all of Congressional District 10.”

DeSaulnier, a Democrat, has been endorsed by former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, Congressman George Miller, Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, and more than two dozen local elected officials. The complete list of labor support for Mark DeSaulnier for Congress includes the Alameda Central Labor Council, AFSCME Local 3993, AFSCME District Council 57, Boilermakers Union Local 549, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council, International Association of Firefighters Local 1230, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Local 1173, Ironworkers Local 378, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, Office & Professional Employees Union, Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 159, Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 342, Teamsters’ Joint Council No. 7, UNITE HERE! California State Council, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 5, USW Local 5 and USW Local 1440.

DeSaulnier is chair of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee and a candidate for former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher’s seat in the 10th Congressional District. Tauscher retired from Congress two weeks ago.

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