Machinists State Council (15,000) endorses Franken for Senate

[Omaha Steve]

ST. PAUL - Al Franken was the unanimous choice of delegates attending the annual Minnesota State Council of Machinists Spring Conference Sunday in St. Paul, the union said.

"The Minnesota State Council of Machinists is proud to give our support and commitment to our endorsed candidate, the next U.S. Senator from Minnesota, Al Franken," said Lisa Stager, president of the council.

"We in the Machinists Union believe Al Franken is by far the best candidate to protect Minnesota's working families. Al will carry our voice to Washington and not only vote for the Employee Free Choice Act, he will proudly co-sponsor it. He is a 'fair trader' and will insist that trade agreements include enforceable labor, safety, and environmental standards."

State Council Secretary-Treasurer Julie Anderson said incumbent U.S. Senator Norm Coleman "has been no friend of working families in Minnesota; he has been complicit in the Bush administration's attack on unions and the middle class. Our members stand ready to do whatever it takes to defeat Norm Coleman and elect Al Franken as our next Senator."

The IAM represents more than 15,000 active and retired members throughout the state of Minnesota in varied industries such as transportation, tool and die, manufacturing, public sector and auto and truck repair.


Machinists union members surround U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken after endorsing his candidacy.

Photo by Vicki Beebe

[tabatha]

1. Go Franken!