Former Congressman Rick Nolan picked up a key labor endorsement on the Iron Range Monday, winning the support of the Steelworker's Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), District 11. Nolan is vying for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party nomination to challenge Michele Bachmann-clone Rep. Chip Cravaack in November.

SOAR was formally established in 1985 to link the active steelworkers with retired steelworkers so both groups could work together on common issues. They typically join forces to support candidates as well, so it is very unusual for SOAR and USW to endorse opposing candidates. In fact, this is the very first time in SOAR's 27 year history that the retirees haven't followed the actives in endorsing a candidate.

According to SOAR District 11 President Dave Trach, all three SOAR chapters in northern Minnesota enthusiastically agreed to endorse Rick Nolan over Tarryl Clark because of Nolan's deep roots in the 8th district, Nolan's commitment to always fight for the Iron Range and strengthen mining in the region, Nolan's strong pro-Labor record while serving in both the Minnesota House of Representatives and in the US Congress, and Nolan's proven ability to win tough congressional elections in conservative areas.

In announcing the endorsement, Trach emphasized:



Rick Nolan is one of us. He understands the issues we face, and he will always fight for us and for our industry. Nolan’s not a typical politician. He won't just tell you what you want to hear. He’s committed to saving Social Security and Medicare, protecting our hard-earned pensions and collective bargaining rights, and building a world where our kids and grandkids and their families can reach their full potential. You can trust Nolan and believe what he says, and that is why we've chosen to endorse him. Moreover, Rick Nolan is clearly the candidate who gives us by far the best chance to defeat Chip Cravaack and the radical right wing.



Former Congressman Nolan will be able to effectively defend our working families against the unprecedented assault from right wing union busters and be the champion the Iron Range needs from day one.

The Steelworkers, like all of Organized Labor, represent a big part of the heart and soul of our district here in Northern Minnesota. They are tireless fighters for progressive causes, fair wages, worker health and safety, and the mining and timber industries we need to keep generating good jobs. I am so proud to have them as part of our campaign to take back the fighting eighth district and make the 99 percent really matter again in Washington.

Nolan's previous experience in Congress and three terms of seniority also factored in their decision, said Trach, addingNolan, a former member of the Teamsters and MEA, was grateful to receive yet another resounding endorsement from his Union Brothers and SistersThe growing list of labor endorsements for former Congressman Nolan includes the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11, the 60,000 member Teamsters Joint Council 32, the 12,000 member United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the leaders of all General Labor Councils in northern Minnesota and former Minnesota AFL-CIO President Dave Roe.