DeStefano Endorsed by Rev. Jesse Jackson & Rev. Al Sharpton

August 02, 2006

Jackson & Sharpton says DeStefano will fight for working families

New Haven - John DeStefano - Democratic candidate for governor - was endorsed by Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton at rallies with hundreds of people at churches in Bridgeport and New Haven.

"I first met John DeStefano fighting for working families," said Rev. Jackson. "He will be a role model for governors across the nation. He has stood and fought for workers, he has built coalitions. He has fought for hospital workers and he has fought for working people and the middle class. He deserves our respect and our support." Rev. Sharpton said, "This man (DeStefano) has no peer when it comes to workers rights, and when it comes to resurrecting hope."

DeStefano thanked both men for their support and told the crowds, "In order to be something you have to stand for something and I stand for working families." DeStefano also promised that as governor he would make the implementation of universal health care a top priority and he told the crowd - to loud applause - that unlike his Democratic opponent, he wouldn't rely on President Bush to approve it. "I'm not going to rely on President Bush to bring universal health care to Connecticut."
Dan Malloy's plan relies on waivers from the federal government, and while some states have received waivers to expand coverage, NO Democratic Governor has received a check from George Bush to fund their "UNIVERSAL" health care plan.

DeStefano also highlighted his Moral Minimum Wage proposal, a plan to index the minimum wage to the cost of living, and his Pay Equity plan that would ensure women and men get paid the same wage for the same work.

"Elections are about choices and this Tuesday you can make a choice - four more years of the same - or real change," said DeStefano. Rev. Jackson agreed, "It's time for hope to be born again, it's time for Connecticut to shine again."

DeStefano will continue campaigning with Rev. Jackson on Thursday, visiting the Northend Senior Center in Hartford at 9AM.