Several northeastern Minnesota labor leaders, including presidents of three major union organizations, called a press conference Thursday to announce that they are uniting behind one candidate seeking the DFL endorsement for 8th district congress: Rick Nolan
An early endorsement from key labor leaders is rare in an 8th district race. Yet Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body President Dan O'Neill, Carlton County Labor Body President Mike Kuitu, and Iron Range Labor Assembly President Tom Cvar called on all labor to join them in lining up behind the former 6th district congressman, referring to Nolan as a "champion for working people" who is the one candidate who can defeat Rep. Chip Cravaack and the Tea Party.
O'Neill spoke to Nolan's past experience as a three-term congressman, citing his staunch support of organized labor as well as his reputation as an effective leader:
Nolan's former colleague, Rep Jim Oberstar, referred to him as the "conscience of the Congress" and columnist Jack Anderson called him "the most respected member of Congress"... Electability is the issue in this election and his track record of winning in conservative areas speaks to his ability to attract support from both sides... Nolan was always a strong supporter of organized labor and fought for fair wages. He will make northern Minnesota priorities America's priorities
Kuitu emphasized the difference between Cravaack and Nolan:
Chip clings to the mistaken idea that tax cuts for the wealthy will produce good paying jobs. We need a congressman who has a grasp of reality. Rick will fight for real jobs. We have a chance to elect a real champion and I hope all labor in northeastern MN supports Nolan.
Cvar echoed the sentiments of his fellow union presidents and placed even more emphasis on his belief that Nolan is the candidate who can beat Chip, ending with a plea to the DFL:
Please endorse Rick!
Joining O'Neil, Kuiti and Cvar in encouraging others to join them in their early support of Nolan were several other labor leaders including former Central Labor Body President George Sundstrom, Duluth Central Labor Body Vice-President Al Netland and Erik Peterson, director of the Wellstone Action labor training program.
Peterson explained his support:
Nolan is running because he really cares about regular folks and will fight for jobs. I'm here because we need champions like Rick Nolan
This early, unified regional endorsement from key labor leaders sends a strong message to trade unionists all over northern Minnesota. Nolan expressed gratitude for the support and praised them for the work they do on behalf of average people everywhere. The Cuyuna Range native also made it clear why he is running:
Senior citizens, loggers, miners need to know they matter. This race is not about Rick Nolan or any other candidate. Its about coming together to provide the kind of representation in Washington, D.C. that this district is hungry for. It's about the fact that people matter.
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