AFL-CIO Takes Historic Step With DeStefano and Slifka

May 22, 2006

NEW HAVEN- Mayor John DeStefano, Democratic candidate for governor, has moved one step closer to capturing the all-important endorsement of the AFL-CIO after its governing board recommended that the union endorse DeStefano's candidacy for governor.

"I am pleased to announce that the Executive Board of the Connecticut AFL-CIO has voted to recommend the endorsement of Mayor John DeStefano of New Haven as the Democratic candidate for Governor of Connecticut," said John W. Olsen, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. "We have decided on this action in recognition of Mayor DeStefano's proven record of support for issues important to working men and women in our state."

The Connecticut chapter of the AFL-CIO represents more than 211,000 workers throughout the state and includes public and private employees from all sectors of Connecticut's economy. The organization has never before endorsed in a Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Olsen continued, "The Mayor's support for a worker's right to organize, his work on behalf of creating a fair tax structure and providing health care for all has demonstrated that he is committed to helping create good jobs here in Connecticut. In recognition of these efforts and more, we support his endorsement as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Connecticut."

Lori Pelletier, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, added: "Clearly, for the women of Connecticut who are more and more becoming heads of households and their families' breadwinners, the issues of good-paying jobs and health care are very important. John DeStefano has put those issues at the top of his agenda."

With the Democratic primary slated for August 8th, DeStefano's candidacy has won the endorsement of 40 Connecticut labor organizations - and now the Executive Board of the AFL-CIO - as well as the support of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Rep. John Larson, Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr. of Brooklyn, Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney of New Haven and House Majority Leader Chris Donovan of Meriden. DeStefano's campaign has raised over $3.2 million, more than any Democrat gubernatorial candidate in state history.