Gillibrand gets 1199 SEIU backing

From the Times Union's Capitol Confidential blog:

"Democrat Kirstin Gillibrand got a big boost today in her bid to unseat Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, when she was formally endorsed by 1199 SEIU.

The health care union represents 275,000 people in New York, with some 2,000 working at hospitals and nursing homes in the 20th Congressional District itself.

Union Executive Vice President Jennifer Cunningham said SEIU will do whatever it takes to send Gillibrand to Washington, D.C.

According to the union’s press release on the endorsement, its “state-of-the-art” phone banking system will be at Gillibrand’s disposal, direct mail will be sent out on her behalf and SEIU volunteers will go door-to-door to all union members living in the 20th CD."

I am glad that many of the unions are finally supporting the Democratic candidate this cycle. In the past three elections many of the unions have endorsed Mr. Sweeney (simply because he's the incumbent) even though he rarely votes pro-labor. I mean, c'mon, the man won't even vote to up the federal minimum wage. In the past the Service Employees International Union has always backed Mr. Sweeney, though it's perfectly understandable why they're pulling the plug on him this time. According to vote-smart.org, Sweeney only voted in favor of the Service Employees International Union's supported position 12% of the time. Click here to see for yourself.