* This morning…
Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced endorsements from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 701 and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 30.
“Congressman Sean Casten has been a longtime friend and advocate for working families and IBEW,” said Frank Furco, IBEW Local 701’s Business Manager. “Sean never hesitates to stand up for union members and is in lockstep with the IBEW on workers’ rights. As our community continues on the path to economic recovery, Sean has been fighting in Congress to ensure good-paying union jobs are brought to the 6th District. We’re proud to endorse him as the best candidate to fight for workers in the 6th District.”
“Congressman Sean Casten has dedicated his career to creating quality, good-paying jobs, both as an entrepreneur and a Member of Congress,” said Ryan Anderson, IUPAT Local 30’s Business Manager. “Sean has fought tirelessly to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe and fair workplaces, and bring real careers with real benefits to the 6th District. We believe he is the best candidate for workers in the 6th District.”
“Having good-paying union jobs is absolutely essential to a strong and equitable economy,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m thrilled to have the endorsement of two organizations who are composed of so many 6th Districts union workers specializing in telecommunications, utilities, construction, manufacturing, painting, drywall finishing, and so much more. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, we know that more union jobs are coming to Illinois. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for working families in the 6th District.”
Both Furco and Anderson said they will work hard to make sure their union and family members in the Sixth District learn of their endorsement of Rep. Casten and turn out to vote in next June’s primary.
* This afternoon…
Today, Congresswoman Marie Newman announced that she had received the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Illinois State Council in her bid for re-election in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
The SEIU Illinois State Council, comprised of SEIU Healthcare, Local 1, and Local 73, represents thousands of home care and child care providers, security officers, janitors, public employees, medical professionals, first responders and social service workers living and working in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
“Congresswoman Marie Newman is a proven advocate for working men and women in Illinois,” said SEIU State Council President Tom Balanoff. “I know that our members can always count on Congresswoman Newman to stand up for workers rights and fair wages. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Newman for reelection in Illinois 6th Congressional District.”
“Bold policies aimed at expanding access to child care, home care, and long term care are investments in good union jobs. Congresswoman Newman understands that. She has been an unwavering champion for investments in our caregiving workforce, a workforce much like our membership that is majority women,” said SEIU HCII President Greg Kelley. “Congresswoman Newman is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and has been an active partner in building a workforce that centers racial and gender equity.”
“Congresswoman Newman has stood in solidarity with our members on numerous occasions,” said SEIU Local 73 President Diane Palmer. “Her support for working men and women is resolute and we know that she will never back down on the issues that matter to our membership. Congresswoman Newman stands for working families and is the best choice for labor in this race. We are proud to stand with her.”
“SEIU members have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in our hospitals, schools, and office buildings to keep this city and state functioning. These men and women have sacrificed greatly and they deserve tireless support in Washington as we continue the fight for safe and fair working conditions, better wages, and the right to organize. To receive their endorsement is a true honor and I hope to have the opportunity to continue fighting for my SEIU brothers and sisters in Congress,” said Congresswoman Marie Newman.
This really will be an interesting primary.
* Related…
* EMILY’s List Endorses Nikki Budzinski for Congress
- Roman - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 1:47 pm:
Not a lot of disagreement between the two, but it seems Casten is going to be cast as the more centrist and Newman the more progressive candidate. The trades going with Casten and service employees going with Newman reinforce that. Casten’s approach is probably more in line with the district, but not necessarily with the voters who will show up in a low turn-out Dem primary. I have Newman as a slight favorite, but a big cash advantage for Casten could change that.
- The Real Downstate - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 1:51 pm:
If I’m Newman, I’m working overtime to get endorsements that will bring 1) small dollar donations and/or 2) significant contributions/spending. Emily’s List will pay for a mailer or two, which is always helpful. But Casten’s trades endorsers will come with checks while Newman’s mayoral supporters probably won’t. Newman should be trying to get AOC or Bernie on board ASAP.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 1:54 pm:
The two visions of the Democratic Party, those divisions and allies line up in a newly created district to pick a nominee whom may or may not find an opponent with a viable chance to win.
It’s not a tempest in a teapot, it’s a skirmish to identify where a district sees the party’s best foot forward
I’m interested in this type of incubator race
- City Zen - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 1:54 pm:
Casten: The Business Manager’s choice
- Friendly Bob Adams - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 1:59 pm:
I think it’s unfortunate that these two are being pitted against each other. I don’t live in the district but would vote for either one.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 2:11 pm:
The old 6th district in DuPage once represented by Henry Hyde, and included Pate Philip and Lee Daniels. I sense a change of attitude in the 6th.
- ;) - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 2:25 pm:
I hope Newman gets AOC or Bernie, or better yet, both of them, on board. That will seal the deal for Casten’s reelection.
- MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 3:06 pm:
“I hope Newman gets AOC or Bernie, or better yet, both of them, on board. That will seal the deal for Casten’s reelection.”
You should visit a gathering of DuPage Democrats someday.
– MrJM
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 3:12 pm:
Anxiously awaiting whom AFSCME decides to support in this race.
- Sharia Capo - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 4:47 pm:
Emily’s List stands for Early Money Is Like Yeast.
Beavis is uh-huh’ing.
- City remap vortex - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 5:46 pm:
“You should visit Dupage Democratics someday day” minus Mary Lemanski, as she seems to have checked out.
- Thomas Pained - Tuesday, Nov 23, 21 @ 6:59 pm:
Um, yeah, let’s cite the DuPage Dems right now as a quality and representative organization. Newman was preferable to Lipinski, and it took her two times to beat him … as these things go. Casten is the better candidate for this district. A good deal of the change in the western suburbs are older folks from Chicago moving out here. They are not lefties. They voted for JFK. And older folks vote. Casten will win narrowly in the primary and should win the general.
- MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 24, 21 @ 8:45 am:
“Um, yeah, let’s cite the DuPage Dems right now as a quality and representative organization.”
I cited DuPage Dems as the voters who cast ballots in Democratic primaries in DuPage County, nothing more.
– MrJM
- ambria - Wednesday, Nov 24, 21 @ 11:06 am:
Casten is an atheist, Marie Newman is a Calvinist. This is a predominantly Christian district. New 6 residents deserves a representative that represents them like Marie Newman.