* Tribune…

The Illinois Federation of Teachers has endorsed former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ bid for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state in next year’s primary, his campaign announced Monday.

“Alexi Giannoulias understands the importance of a strong public education system, spanning from pre-K to higher education, and is committed to supporting Illinois educators,” said Dan Montgomery, president of the organization and its more than 100,000 members.

“The office of the secretary of state oversees libraries and how young people learn to drive. These are critical issues of importance to our membership,” Montgomery said in a statement.

With the IFT’s endorsement, Giannoulias has secured backing from some of the largest members of the Illinois AFL-CIO, giving him an edge in getting support from the state’s largest organized labor group when it convenes next year ahead of the June 28 primary.

He’s got labor just about wrapped up.

* Another one…

Today, the Illinois Federation of Teachers announced their endorsement of Nikki Budzinski in the IL-13 Democratic primary. The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) represent a massive 103,000 members across the state of Illinois. They represent teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel, higher education faculty, staff, and graduate employees, and public employees in many Illinois state agencies.

The Illinois Federation of Teacher’s endorsement is the latest in a broad coalition of support that Budzinski is building, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, EMILY’s List, State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Rep. Sean Casten, Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Christopher Belt, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, House Democratic Caucus Chair LaToya Greenwood, State Representative Katie Stuart, UFCW Local 881, United Steelworkers (USW), IBEW Locals 51, 146, 193, 309, 601 and 649, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers’ Union, Heat and Frost Insulators, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 8, Elect Democratic Women, Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, County Chairs Bill Houlihan (Sangamon), Mark Pohlman (Jersey), Paul “Snow” Herkert (Calhoun), Ben Curtin (Christian) and Pam Monetti (Macoupin).

* And another one…

Today, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) announced the early endorsement for the Illinois Supreme Court (3rd District) judicial race in the June 2022 Primary Election.

The IFT Executive Board unanimously voted to endorse Judge Mary Kay O’Brien for Illinois Supreme Court (3rd District).

Much is at stake in state supreme court elections since justices wield tremendous power to limit our freedoms. Now more than ever, it is crucial to elect justices who will protect collective bargaining, defend public education, and support the rights of working families.

“Since the start of her career, Judge O’Brien has been a strong supporter for Illinois’ working families,” said IFT President Dan Montgomery. “Her deep ties to the community, history of public service, and extensive experience will make her a fair and impartial justice.”

* Meanwhile…

Today, Congresswoman Marie Newman announced that she had received the endorsement of the Amalgamated Transit Union Illinois (ATU), ATU Local 308, and ATU Local 241.

The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor union representing transit and allied workers in the U.S. and Canada. ATU Locals 308 and 241 represent 16,000 active and retired PACE and CTA bus, rail, and transportation workers in Chicago and Cook County.