30th Labor Organization Endorses DeStefano for Governor

April 27, 2006

New Haven: Democratic gubernatorial candidate John DeStefano is happy to announce that the CWA (Communications Workers of America) Local 1298 has endorsed his candidacy, bringing the total number of labor organizations to endorse DeStefano to 30! The CWA 1298 represents 5,400 working men and women (SBC, Cingular, and Yale University Administrative employees).

"We're endorsing John DeStefano because he best understands working families," said Local 1298 President William Henderson. "Every week Connecticut loses more high quality jobs, the kind you can support a family on. We need a governor who will fight to keep those jobs and who knows how to create real opportunities for our families."

The CWA Local 1298 chose to endorse DeStefano in part because of Connecticut CAN! - the universal health care plan he unveiled a few weeks ago. "We support it 100% and it's one of the reasons we're supporting John for governor," said Henderson. "John's vision for Connecticut is our vision, his goals are our goals. That's why our members will knock on doors, make phone calls, and work long hours to make sure John wins in November."

"I am honored to have the support of the CWA Local 1298," said DeStefano. "I'm running for governor to solve tough problems and make life better for Connecticut's families. The fact that 30 labor organizations - representing 120,000 families - have put their faith in my candidacy is a powerful sign that I am the Democratic candidate with the best record, best vision, and best chance to win in Nov." By contrast, Dannel Malloy has the endorsement of just five labor unions, representing less than 5,000 men and women.

DeStefano has received the endorsement of dozens of elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Rep. John Larson, former U.S. Congressman Sam Gejdenson, and Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan. His campaign has raised more than $3.3 million - more than any Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Connecticut history.