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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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.”