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June 23, 2010

AFL-CIO endorses Democrat Mitchell in governor's race

Kennebec Journal Staff

The Maine AFL-CIO voted unanimously to endorse Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell for governor, the union announced Tuesday.

Mitchell, a Democrat, earned the support of delegates at the union's convention in Portland.

"Libby has consistently championed the interest of Maine's working families," union President Don Berry said in a statement. "On issues of good jobs, education and economic justice, she has led the way."

Mitchell had a 100 percent voting record on issues of interest to the union in the last two years and fell just short of 100 percent on votes taken throughout her public life.

The union cited Mitchell's support of a bond package to create jobs, improvements to the unemployment system and a bill she sponsored to require Maine businesses to provide paid sick leave, as some of her efforts to support workers.

Mitchell said she was "honored" by the endorsement.

"For my entire legislative service, I have tried to stand on the side of working families," she said.

The convention also endorsed Democrats and current U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud, D-2nd District; and Chellie Pingree, D-1st District.

The union represents more than 26,000 workers throughout the state and promises to "run a strong political program based on pocketbook issues" to help endorsed candidates get elected.

Mitchell is one of five candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot. She faces Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, a Republican; and independents Eliot Cutler, Shawn Moody and Kevin Scott.

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