Illinois 2010 Elections: Three Unions Totaling 40,000 Workers Back Dan Hynes for Governor

(Chicago, IL) — December 4, 2009. Three important unions yesterday endorsed Comptroller Dan Hynes’ candidacy for governor, giving the Hynes campaign a crucial boost.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1546, and the International Brotherhood of the Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers Local 1—representing approximately 40,000 workers—all gave Hynes thumbs up.

“Dan Hynes has earned the endorsement of UFCW Local 1546 based on his strong, steady leadership, his plan to create new, sustainable jobs for the future, his clear understanding of how to fix our state budget …,” said Kenneth R. Boyd, UFCW Local 1546 President and International Vice President.

“We’re convinced that Dan Hynes represents our best opportunity to elect a highly capable leader for governor who has a sterling track record of fiscal responsibility, and government accountability,” said Darrell Jefferson, President and Business Agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union – Local 241.

“Our state deserves a governor who will keep his word when it comes to creating jobs,” Boilermakers Local 1 Business Manager John Skermont said.

Skermont’s comment is a not so subtle swipe at Hynes Democratic primary opponent, Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn  took much heat during the legislative session for unexpectedly linking the $31 billion capital construction bill to the fate of his tax increase in final Illinois budget which was approved without the increase Quinn sought.

Meanwhile, the approved construction bill languished in political purgatory for nearly two months before Quinn finally signed it. That delay came at the expense of a lost construction season.

A smaller, $3 billion capitol bill, however was approved in time for projects to begin during the spring construction season.

Currently, a total of 15 unions representing more than 323,000 workers now back Hynes.