Governors: Members Back Corzine, Kaine

In New Jersey and Virginia this fall, CWAers hit the phones and walked precincts, asking union members to elect governors Nov. 8 who are strong advocates for working families.

More than 60 local officers and activists met Oct. 17 to plan the final push on behalf of New Jersey Sen. Jon Corzine, who is running for governor, and other labor-endorsed candidates.

Noting that many in the room are leaders of public sector locals, District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton said, "You have the opportunity to elect your bosses. We can't let this election slip through our fingers."

The group also heard from CWA President Larry Cohen and Corzine himself, who reminded them of his "100-percent labor voting record in the Senate."

In contrast, Republican opponent Douglas Forrester opposes a minimum wage hike, supported the loss of bargaining rights for Homeland Security workers and sought cuts in state workers' pensions.

In Virginia, Democrat Tim Kaine's pro-worker resume includes support for the right to organize and efforts to create more than 250,000 jobs in the state.

Opponent Jerry Kilgore's record includes prosecuting workers in the Pittston mine strike and opposing a $1 million job-creation initiative launched by the previous governor.