To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here. *** UPDATED x4 - AFSCME weighs in - AFL-CIO, Pritzker issue statements - Biss, Pawar, Kennedy respond *** This just in… Pritzker gets AFL-CIO nod Tuesday, Jun 6, 2017 * A very reliable union source says that the Illinois AFL-CIO executive board just voted to endorse JB Pritzker for governor. More when I know more. * Here’s how the voting reportedly went… 19 yes

7 no

2 abstained (part of the total)

3 unmarked (not part of the total) The 2/3 requirement was 19. *** UPDATE 1 *** From Liz Utrup at the Kennedy campaign… Chris Kennedy has always believed that union labor provides a competitive advantage for Illinois’ economy, that includes the working men and women of the AFL-CIO. The members work hard every day to support their families and build a stronger, better state for our children. Unfortunately, today’s endorsement isn’t about the members. It’s about Springfield establishment insiders who cut deals and circumvented the normal endorsement process. As Governor, Chris Kennedy will continue his career-long support for the labor movement and its role in building America’s middle class. He will fight to make sure every family in Illinois can realize the potential of the American Dream. He will take his message of radical change directly to members of the AFL-CIO and the people of Illinois because they should determine who the Democratic nominee is— not political insiders who are cutting deals behind closed doors. *** UPDATE 2 *** Ameya Pawar… I have always been, and will always be a steadfast supporter of organized labor and collective bargaining rights. As a Chicago alderman, I partnered with labor organizations to pass paid sick leave, raise the minimum wage and combat wage theft. If elected governor, I will bring that same commitment to supporting labor and working families across Illinois. Endorsements or non-endorsements won’t change that. *** UPDATE 3 *** Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan… “The Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board voted today to endorse JB Pritzker in the Democratic Primary Election for Governor. “The Board followed a process that included meeting with the candidates and evaluating issue questionnaires. An early endorsement is necessary in order to achieve our top priority in 2018 – defeating Gov. Bruce Rauner, whose anti-worker proposals and refusal to compromise on a budget are destroying Illinois. “Pritzker has the vision and background to put Illinois on the right track by empowering working families, not shifting more power and wealth to corporate class.” * JB Pritzker campaign… Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. The Illinois AFL-CIO represents nearly 900,000 members across the state and is a powerful voice for Illinois working families. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO and the working families they represent across our state,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, the labor movement will always have a seat at the table and will be a partner in our work ahead. I will always stand up for collective bargaining rights and prevailing wage, protect retirement security and pensions, and ensure safe working conditions and pay equity for working families. “We have our work cut out for us. Over 700 days into a historic budget crisis, Bruce Rauner continues to attack our working families instead of doing his job as governor. Our social services and public education system are on the brink of collapse, but Rauner is focused on dismantling collective bargaining rights, cutting pensions, and opposing prevailing wage. The AFL-CIO and the working families it represents deserve a real leader in Springfield who will always stand with them to get our state back on track. I look forward to being that governor for Illinois working families.” * Sen. Daniel Biss… “The working people of Illinois deserve better than being told they have to support a billionaire whose family fortune was enriched by anti-union behavior. As Governor of Illinois, I will always put the interest of the working men and women of Illinois ahead of money and the machine.” *** UPDATE 4 *** As we’ve already discussed, AFSCME Council 31 wasn’t a fan of endorsing this early. I asked the union for a statement… Our process is driven by our members. We have an obligation to follow that process to vet the candidates, their records and priorities, and to hear from our members about what direction they wish to take. That process will conclude with a decision to endorse or not in the Democratic primary. - Posted by Rich Miller

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