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Primary
Elections in MD & DC
Favor Organized Labor:
A Report from the Maryland State Federation of
Labor
September 14, 2002
Dear Leaders,
Our determined and focused efforts really paid off in
last Tuesday’s primary. Overall I think that we did extremely well in
our strongest political effort in many years, hard losses
notwithstanding. A strong recruitment effort found thirteen well
qualified, first time candidates, seeking to join the ranks of
representatives at the State level and three seeking local offices.
These ‘warrior’ members included:
47% of First Time – Union Member
Candidates WIN in Primary!
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District 5, Senate Ronald Zepp – AFSCME
District 6, Delegate Rodney Donald - USWA
District 6, Delegate Michael Weir – IAFF
District 9B, Delegate Anita Riley – UFCW
District 13, Delegate, Ada Bohorfoush – OPEIU
District 14, Delegate Allan Mulligan – AFGE
District 17, Delegate Gertrude Kildee – SEIU
District 22, Delegate Tawanna Gaines – AFSCME
District 22, Delegate John Shields – SMWIA
District 26, Delegate Veronica Turner – SEIU
District 28, Delegate James Jarboe - UFCW
District 35B, Delegate Charles Wagner – IBB
District 46, Delegate Darren Petty - UAW
Harford County Council Dion Guthrie – IBEW
Allegany County Council Randy Apple –IUOE
Prince Georges County Council Camille Exum
- AFSCME
Wicomico County Council Enez Grubb – UFCW
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Our labor movement supported their candidacy with an
aggressive campaign, including: registering new voters, multiple phone
calls, mailings, precinct walks and a strong GOTV effort. Many THANKS
are extended to all who helped.
We SALUTE all of the Union Member Candidates for
their courage and commitment to building power for working families.
Governor’s Race
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend clinched the Democratic
primary while receiving more votes (416,497) than any other
gubernatorial primary candidate in the history of Maryland.
Well, that speaks volumes to those who dared question
her popular appeal. Our attention and efforts must turn now to insuring
victory in November.
CD – 2
"Dutch" Ruppersberger handily won his bid
to represent the Democratic Party in November. This race will be closely
watched across the nation because a Ruppersberger victory will go a long
way in shifting the balance of power in the U.S. Congress.
CD – 6
Donald DeArmon once again proved that he is the
choice of Democrats in this Congressional District. He certainly
benefited from the ‘limited endorsement’ of organized labor in the
primary. A labor endorsement with support to back it up will make him a
stronger candidate in November.
CD – 8
Although Mark Shriver did not win the Democratic
primary, he won with union members. In the areas with the highest union
density, Shriver won by a 7 to 1 margin. The winner, Christopher Van
Hollen, accumulated a solid labor voting record during his tenure in the
Maryland Senate. With our enthusiastic and strong support, Van Hollen
can be victorious in November as well.
District of Columbia Mayor’s Race
Mayor Anthony Williams won the D.C. Mayor’s race by
a 3-1 margin, thanks in large part to the work of the Metropolitan
Washington Council’s voter education on write-in procedures, door
knocking, sign installation, phone banking and poll coverage.
We’re Not Done Yet!
Sisters and Brothers, as we engage the general
election process, it is necessary that we unite as never before. I ask
for your full cooperation in implementing OUR program, which includes:
1. Identify a coordinator for your local union
2. Register at least 10% of your un-registered
members
3. Distribute informational and educational leaflets
at worksites
4. Mail at least two letters to your members
5. Recruit Volunteers for: precinct walks, phone
banks and Election Day activity
Denise Riley from my office is responsible for
coordinating this effort. Please cooperate with her so that are efforts
are meaningful and measurable.
SUPPORT THE MD/DC AFL-CIO UNIFIED PROGRAM
BUILD UNIFIED SUPPORT FOR ENDORSED CANDIDATES
UNITED, WE WIN, divided, Ehrlich may be the
governor!
In Solidarity for progress,
Fred D. Mason, Jr.
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Fred D. Mason, his office in Annapolis, is the president of the Maryland
State and District of Columbia, AFL-CIO, sometimes referred to as the
"State Fed." Mr. Mason and the State Fed represent the
legislative and political interests of 350,000 union members and
retirees. Unofficially, the state federation of unions represent all 3.5
million workers in the state. Most workers have no other
organization that represents their interests in the halls of government.
Mr. Mason and the State Fed work with 400 local labor unions and five
labor councils to evaluate the legislative agenda, coordinate support
from labor leaders and workers, and lobby lawmakers for those bills that
work for labor and the general public.
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update 6 April 2010
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