Bernie Sanders, Chuck Jones to attend Indianapolis jobs rally

Sen. Bernie Sanders will be in Indianapolis on Monday to attend a rally focused on jobs and the economy.

The rally begins at 4 p.m. at Monument Circle and is organized by Good Jobs Nation, an organization with a mission to "end the U.S. Government's role as America's leading low-wage job creator."

During the rally, Sanders, I-Vt., will be joined by former United Steelworkers Local 1999 President Chuck Jones and local elected officials.

"What we're doing is trying to get people together and get them to realize what is happening in this country with the loss of jobs," Jones said. "No matter if it's to Mexico or to China or to wherever, we are losing good-paying jobs, and some of these companies responsible are being rewarded with government contracts.

"What we want to do is hold some of the politicians accountable for some of the campaign promises made and bring attention to the fact that something needs to change."

Jones found himself in the national spotlight late last year when he told CNN that President Donald Trump was exaggerating the number of Carrier Corp. jobs in Indiana that were saved in a deal orchestrated by Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump later attacked Jones on Twitter.

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Jones said Wednesday that he does not expect any problems during the rally and that it is going to be a welcoming environment for everyone.

"We appreciate anybody and everybody showing up," he said. "And this is not a union rally. This is for all working-class people and anybody who has got an interest in keeping jobs in this country. Hopefully we can build a movement going forward."

The rally is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but guests are encouraged to RSVP by signing up on the event website.

The trip to the Circle City is the first of three planned stops where Sanders will talk jobs in the Midwest.

After leaving Indianapolis, Sanders will head to Portsmouth, Ohio, on Tuesday for a rally on jobs, health care and the economy.

He will then travel to Detroit for a Tuesday night town hall meeting with Rep. John Conyers.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138 or email him at justin.mack@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.