* This is pretty big…

Today the Noland for Congress campaign announced that the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) has endorsed their campaign for Congress. The AFFI represents over 15,000 professional firefighters throughout Illinois.

“Mike Noland has always stood up for firefighters, and we know he will be a great advocate in Congress,” said AFFI President Pat Devaney. “I’ve worked with Senator Noland in the State Senate, he understands the issues and difficult realities faced by first responders on a daily basis. We look forward to him fighting for us in Washington.”

“When I think for a minute about what firefighters do, I am amazed at their courage and their tenacity. To save the lives, the homes, and property of other people, they put themselves in harm’s way. They go into burning buildings at the exact time the rest of us retreat. They are heroes living quietly and, often, without acknowledgement in our communities and in our neighborhoods and I am proud to call them friends and supporters of our campaign,” said Noland. Their endorsement means a lot to me and I will go to Congress and fight every day with everything I’ve got to make sure we honor their work.”

The AFFI is the latest member of organized labor to endorse Noland’s campaign. They join the APWU Local 3140’s executive board, Bricklayers Administrative District Council of Illinois, Sheet Metal Workers State Council, SMART Transportation Division (formerly United Transportation Union), Fox Valley Building Trades, Elgin Trades Council, IFT Local 1211 (Northwest Suburban Teachers Union), Operating Engineers Local 399, Painters District Council 14 & 30, and Teamsters Joint Council 25. Noland’s campaign has also announced that over 75 elected officials have endorsed his campaign including Senate President John J. Cullerton and former Senate President Emil Jones Jr.

Noland is leading in the polls. A recent poll conducted by one of Noland’s opponents showed him with a seven-point lead over his nearest opponent. After voters are provided more information about the candidates, Noland’s lead expands even more.

Noland is a 30-year plus resident of Elgin, a veteran of the US Navy and was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2006. While serving in the Senate he has been one of its most progressive members and has been a strong advocate for working families throughout his time in the Illinois General Assembly.

Because of their work schedules, firefighters can walk more precincts than others. And they’re probably lots more popular with the public than other union members.

* Noland is being out-raised by the guy whom most assumed would be the frontrunner, but Noland’s labor backing is by far the most solid…

The International Association of Ironworkers and its Local 63 union in the Chicago area endorsed Raja Krishnamoorthi today in his bid for Congress in the 8th District of Illinois that includes the northwest suburbs of Chicago.



The backing from the Ironworkers follows endorsements of Raja from other unions and their leaders such as the Illinois State Council of Machinists, the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2, the Air Line Pilots Association, the Office and Professional Employees’ Union Local 45 and Illinois Letter Carriers’ President Ken Christy.



Not much there.