For Immediate Release: June 26, 2006
Contact: Dana Kennedy (602) 631-4488 ext. 229, cell: (480) 225-1275

AFL-CIO Announces the 2006 Primary Endorsements

PHOENIX — Today the Arizona AFL-CIO is pleased to announce our Primary Election endorsements. The endorsements come from an extensive interviewing process and Legislative voting record review with candidates across the state which includes, the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Acting upon the recommendation of the Nal-Nishii Federation of Labor, the state body also unanimously endorsed Joe Shirley Jr. for President of the Navajo Nation. The Nal-Nishii Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, is the only AFL-CIO body in the nation that represents the unions of indigenous people. Additionally, another 55 candidates have received Primary endorsements for the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives in 27 of the 30 Legislative Districts. As the largest organization of unions in the state, the Arizona AFL-CIO endorsement is considered crucial for the success of many of the candidates. The primary will be held on September 12, 2006.

Michael McGrath, Executive Director of the Arizona AFL-CIO stated, “It is a pleasure to endorse candidates of this caliber. These candidates share our vision of what is important to Arizona’s working families. These candidates support the issues that Arizona’s unions fight for everyday. Issues such as increasing the minimum wage, access to affordable healthcare, and quality education.” McGrath concluded, “There are many issues on the table that impact working families, and it is crucial for the future of Arizona that we elect those who are going to step up to the plate and fight for the issues that will move Arizona forward. We’re convinced that these candidates will do just that. We intend to put substantial resources forward to educate union members and their families on the views of our endorsed candidates and then ensure their successful election.”

The Arizona AFL-CIO is an umbrella organization comprised of AFL-CIO affiliated local unions which represent over 145,000 union members and their families in the state of Arizona.

Following is a list of the early endorsed candidates.

United States Senate:

Jim Pederson (D)

United States House of Representatives:

District 3: Herb Paine (D)
District 4: Ed Pastor (D)
District 5: Harry Mitchell (D)
District 7: Raúl M. Grijalva (D)
District 8: Gabrielle Giffords (D)

Governor:

Janet Napolitano (D)

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