PRESS RELEASE:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas reports that "the National Organization for Women-NYS PAC is proud to endorse Kathleen Rice (D) for NYS Attorney General. As Nassau County District Attorney, Rice displayed what feminists consider a stellar record in the fight for equality."

And the pride is mutual. Rice herself remarks: "I'm honored and humbled by the support NOW and its members have shown my campaign. I look forward to NOW playing an important role in our grassroots get-out-the-vote strategy over the next month. I am Long Island's first woman DA, and with NOW's help, I'm confident we will make similar history with this office at the state level. As Attorney General, I look forward to working with NOW to clean up Albany, to protect children and families, and to fight for our reproductive rights and for gender and pay equity in our communities."

In 2005 Ms. Rice's first bid for public office challenged a thirty-two year, anti-choice Republican incumbent. With Rice's victory, the pro-choice and women's rights community breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing Rice would uphold the right to safe, legal abortion.

Under Kathleen Rice's leadership, the office of NYS Attorney General will expand its Civil Rights Bureau by adding:

1. deputy bureau chiefs for housing discrimination, employment discrimination, discrimination in schools, and LGBT issues

2. a statewide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance officer, overseeing and conducting analyses of NY government hiring practices

3. a coordinator of the Disability Rights Project-responsible for not only legal efforts, but also regular outreach to the disability community

4. a semi-annual auditing of state recognition of out-of-state and out-of-country gay marriages by a LGBT point person in OAG to ensure rights are protected

5. a review of state Stop and Frisk policies

6. an expanded Reproductive Rights Unit

Pappas concludes that "if elected, Kathleen Rice will be the first-ever female NYS Attorney General. and we are proud to be a part of that historical moment. NOW-NYS-PAC urges members and supporters to go to the polls on Primary Day, September 14th , 2010 to vote for Kathleen Rice ."

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/National-Organization-for-Women-NYS-PAC-endorses-Kathleen-Rice-for-NYS-Attorney-General/1695473

PRESS RELEASE:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Today, the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO announced endorsements of candidates for New York State Senate and Assembly.

The endorsements took place at the State Labor Federation's biennial political convention, held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. More than 400 delegates, representing local unions, labor councils and area labor federations throughout the state, were in attendance.

The New York State AFL-CIO will coordinate a grassroots campaign to educate members on labor's position in these races.

The campaigns will consist of member mailings, worksite flyers, phone bank operations and a "labor-to-neighbor" program, where union members visit other members in the area to discuss a particular race.

Educating its members is labor's greatest strength in any campaign. Polling shows that when the New York State AFL-CIO educates its members on issues or candidates, our members support the State Labor Federation's position at a rate of close to 80%.

Attached is a list of the endorsements.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-State-AFL-CIO-Announces-Endorsements-for-NYS-Legislature/1695452

PRESS RELEASE:

COLONIE, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) announced its endorsement of Democrat Andrew Cuomo for governor at the New York State AFL-CIO COPE Convention held at The Desmond in Colonie. The endorsement was the result of a vote by PEF's Executive Board at its quarterly meeting.

"Andrew Cuomo earned our endorsement because of his positions on two key issues for us - reducing the state's wasteful use of consultants, and his plan to rein in hundreds of unaccountable public authorities that are packed with patronage appointments and duplicate services provided by state agencies," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

"We agree with Mr. Cuomo that New York deserves better government especially on these issues.

"Our members working in the state Department of Law have found state Attorney General Cuomo supportive of PEF's efforts to save the taxpayers' money by reducing the state's reliance on costly private consultants.

"We expect Mr. Cuomo to continue to reduce the state's reliance on consultants when he becomes governor.

"We support Andrew Cuomo's candidacy for governor and look forward to working with him in January," Brynien added.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

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Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/PEF-Endorses-Cuomo-for-Governor/1694527

PRESS RELEASE:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Today, the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO endorsed the candidacy of Andrew Cuomo for Governor of New York State.

The endorsement took place at the State Labor Federation's biennial political convention, held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. More than 400 delegates, representing local unions, labor councils and area labor federations throughout the state were in attendance.

In announcing the endorsement, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes stated, "On behalf of the 2 ½ million members of the New York State AFL-CIO, I am pleased to announce our endorsement of Andrew Cuomo for Governor of the State of New York.

"New York's organized labor movement has long enjoyed a close working relationship with Andrew Cuomo. As Attorney General, he fought for the middle class and against the monied interests of Wall Street. We look forward to those principles following him to the Governor's Mansion.

"Most important, the New York State AFL-CIO looks forward to the opportunity for an open, honest and substantive dialogue with a Cuomo administration on the issues of shared concern to all New Yorkers.

"Particularly during these difficult economic times, I look forward to that opportunity and the chance for labor to play a role in the rebuilding and revitalization of this great state."

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Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-State-AFL-CIO-Announces-Endorsement-of-Andrew-Cuomo-for-Governor/1694140

CUOMO's STATEMENT:

“Today’s endorsement is a major step forward in building our broad coalition to bring change and reform to state government. I deeply appreciate the support of the hard working union members of the state of New York. We share the goal of creating good jobs in all regions of the state and across a diverse range of fields.

While NYSUT declined to endorse based on my positions with respect to a property tax cap and state spending issues, we will agree to disagree on those issues.”

Press Release:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Today, the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO announced endorsements of candidates for United States Congress.

The endorsement process took place at the State Labor Federation's biennial political convention, held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. More than 400 delegates, representing local unions, labor councils and area labor federations throughout the state, were in attendance.

The New York State AFL-CIO will coordinate a grassroots campaign to educate members on labor's position in these races. The campaigns will consist of member mailings, worksite flyers, phone bank operations and a "labor-to-neighbor" program, where union members visit other members in the area to discuss a particular race.

Educating its members is labor's greatest strength in any campaign. Polling shows that when the New York State AFL-CIO educates its members on issues or candidates, our members support the State Labor Federation's position at a rate of close to 80%.

The following candidates were endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO:

CD Representative Name

1 Timothy H. Bishop (D, WF)

2 Steve J. Israel (D, I, WF)

3 NO ENDORSEMENT

4 Carolyn McCarthy (D,I,WF)

5 Gary L. Ackerman (D-I-WF)

6 NO ENDORSEMENT

7 Joseph Crowley (D, WF)

8 Jerrold L. Nadler (D, WF)

9 Anthony D. Weiner (D, WF)

10 Edolphus Towns (D)

11 Yvette Clark (D, WF)

12 Nydia M. Velazquez (D, WF)

13 NO ENDORSEMENT AT THIS TIME

14 Carolyn B. Maloney (D,WF)

15 Charles B. Rangel (D, WF)

16 Jose E. Serrano (D, WF)

17 Eliot L. Engel (D, L, WF)

18 Nita M. Lowey (D, WF)

19 John Hall (D, I, WF)

20 Scott Murphy (D)

21 Paul D. Tonko (D)

22 Maurice D. Hinchey (D, WF)

23 Bill Owens (D)

24 Michael Arcuri (D, WF)

25 Dan Maffei (D, WF)

26 NO ENDORSEMENT

27 Brian M. Higgins (D, WF)

28 Louise Slaughter (D,I,WF)

29 Matt Zeller (D)

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-State-AFL-CIO-Announces-Endorsements-for-Congress/1695432

PRESS RELEASE:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Today, the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO announced the endorsement of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

The endorsement process took place at the State Labor Federation's biennial political convention, held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. More than 400 delegates, representing local unions, labor councils and area labor federations throughout the state, were in attendance.

New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes stated, "I am proud to announce the New York State AFL-CIO's endorsement of Senator Gillibrand. Senator Gillibrand has proven time and time again to be a true champion for the cause of working people. From investing in infrastructure and taking on the credit card companies to protect consumers to creating transparency in Washington and helping pass FMAP legislation which is estimated to save more than 200,000 jobs in our state, working people can be confident that Senator Gillibrand will continue to fight on their behalf in Washington. In fact, Senator Gillibrand is the lead sponsor of Senate legislation to help our September 11th heroes."

"Particularly during a time of great economic distress, working men and women need a Senator who intuitively understands the very real challenges they face in their daily lives. Whether its health care reform, FMAP legislation which is estimated to save more than 200,000 jobs in our state, or introducing legislation for our September 11th heroes, working people can be confident that Senator Gillibrand will continue to fight on their behalf in Washington.

"With a 93% voting record, her leadership and dedication to improving the everyday lives of working men and women is invaluable", said Hughes.

Senator Gillibrand said, "Creating fairness in our economy and good-paying jobs is my number one priority. For too long working people have gotten the short end of the American economy and it is time for that changes. I am honored to have the endorsement of the 2.5 million members of the AFL-CIO and I am committed to fighting with them each and every day to ensure a stronger economy for all of us and our families."

The New York State AFL-CIO will coordinate a grassroots campaign to educate members on labor's position in these races. The campaign will consist of member mailings, worksite flyers, phone bank operations and a "labor-to-neighbor" program, where union members visit other members in the area to discuss a particular race.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-State-AFL-CIO-Announces-the-Endorsement-of-United-States-Senator-Kirsten-Gillibrand/1694517

PRESS RELEASE:

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Today, the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO announced the endorsement of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.

The endorsement process took place at the State Labor Federation's biennial political convention, held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. More than 400 delegates, representing local unions, labor councils and area labor federations throughout the state, were in attendance.

New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes stated, "I am proud to announce the New York State AFL-CIO's endorsement of Senator Schumer.

"Senator Schumer represents the gold standard of leadership. His unparalleled dedication to the needs and concerns of working men and women is equaled only by his tenacity to get things done.

"Everyone knows that if you want to get important, progressive legislation passed in Washington, Senator Schumer's office is the first stop. His 94% voting record is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives and well-being of all working men and women," said Hughes.

"The labor movement has been, and remains, the best springboard to launch working people into the middle class and beyond. Today, I am proud to receive the endorsement of the New York State Federation of Labor and look forward to once again working on behalf of the millions of workers and families they represent to ensure the needs of the middle class-and those they are struggling to get there-are heard and satisfied," stated Senator Schumer.

The New York State AFL-CIO will coordinate a grassroots campaign to educate members on labor's position in these races. The campaign will consist of member mailings, worksite flyers, phone bank operations and a "labor-to-neighbor" program, where union members visit other members in the area to discuss a particular race.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/NYS-AFL-CIO-Announces-Endorsement-of-United-States-Senator-Charles-Schumer/1694141