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More splits in labor in Maryland Senate primary More splits in labor in Maryland Senate primary
(about 4 hours later)
Several more labor unions have split in the competitive Democratic primary for Maryland’s Senate seat, underscoring the close race between Reps. Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen.Several more labor unions have split in the competitive Democratic primary for Maryland’s Senate seat, underscoring the close race between Reps. Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen.
They are campaigning to replace Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D), who is retiring.They are campaigning to replace Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D), who is retiring.
Edwards announced Thursday a group of union endorsements that together covers over 50,000 workers in the state. The biggest are United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400, based in her district of Prince George’s County, and Unite Here International Union, which combines hospitality, restaurant and textile industry workers.Edwards announced Thursday a group of union endorsements that together covers over 50,000 workers in the state. The biggest are United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400, based in her district of Prince George’s County, and Unite Here International Union, which combines hospitality, restaurant and textile industry workers.
Unite Here Local 7 in Baltimore, which represents hotel, gaming and food service workers, as well as Unite Here’s District-based Local 23, is supporting Edwards. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents about 12,000 Metro operators and mechanics, is also backing Edwards.Unite Here Local 7 in Baltimore, which represents hotel, gaming and food service workers, as well as Unite Here’s District-based Local 23, is supporting Edwards. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents about 12,000 Metro operators and mechanics, is also backing Edwards.
UFCW Local 27, a Baltimore-based union representing 20,000 workers, is going with Van Hollen. So is UFCW 1994, which represents 9,000 workers in Montgomery County. UFCW Local 27, a Baltimore-based union representing 20,000 workers, is going with Van Hollen.
The two candidates have fought fiercely over union endorsements in this race. Both have strong ties to the labor movement and records that reflect union prerogatives.The two candidates have fought fiercely over union endorsements in this race. Both have strong ties to the labor movement and records that reflect union prerogatives.
Edwards points to Van Hollen’s votes in favor of some free trade agreements, as well as his support for past budget negotiations over a plan that included Social Security changes, as out of line with labor.Edwards points to Van Hollen’s votes in favor of some free trade agreements, as well as his support for past budget negotiations over a plan that included Social Security changes, as out of line with labor.
“She’s willing to take on the tough fights for our members regardless of which direction the political winds are blowing,” UFCW Local 400 President Mark Federici said in a statement.“She’s willing to take on the tough fights for our members regardless of which direction the political winds are blowing,” UFCW Local 400 President Mark Federici said in a statement.
Van Hollen and his supporters argue that he accomplishes more for labor in Congress.Van Hollen and his supporters argue that he accomplishes more for labor in Congress.
“He doesn’t just say the right thing — he gets things done for Maryland’s working families,” UFCW Local 27 President George Murphy Jr. said in a statement.“He doesn’t just say the right thing — he gets things done for Maryland’s working families,” UFCW Local 27 President George Murphy Jr. said in a statement.
Few major national unions have gotten involved in the race. The Service Employees International Union, endorsed Van Hollen — a major blow to Edwards, who was elected to the House in 2008 with the group’s support.Few major national unions have gotten involved in the race. The Service Employees International Union, endorsed Van Hollen — a major blow to Edwards, who was elected to the House in 2008 with the group’s support.