ANDREWS WINS MORE KEY SUPPORT FOR SENATE NOMINATION
Three Labor Organizations Praise Andrews as "Champion of Workers"
Urge His Victory in June 3rd Primary

CHERRY HILL -- Another round of major endorsements has further fueled the growing momentum of U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews' campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination. Three key labor groups declared their support for Andrews over Sen. Frank Lautenberg in the June 3 primary, saying Andrews offers the commitment, drive and vision needed to represent workers in New Jersey and across America in the U.S. Senate.

Endorsing Andrews were the Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351, and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 322. The three organizations are part of a steady drumbeat of organized labor support throughout New Jersey for Andrews' candidacy.

"Rob Andrews has always been there when we needed him," said Jim Kehoe, president of the Building Trades Council, which represents approximately 15,000 members from Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties. "With the economy squeezing every last dollar out of the paychecks of average Americans faced with skyrocketing prices and stagnant salaries, we need the kind of new, energetic, leadership that Congressman Andrews will bring to the Senate."

Edward Gant, business manager of IBEW 351, said Andrews' aggressive advocacy of workers' rights in the U.S. House made him the "runaway choice" of the union's members for the Democratic Senate nomination. The union represents 2,500 members from the region covering Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties.

"Like all Americans, our members are being hit hard by the skyrocketing costs of gasoline, food and hundreds of other consumer goods," Gant said. "We need a senator who has the credentials, passion and ability to lead the fight to fix our economy and make life more affordable for us all. Congressman Andrews has a proven record of getting things done in the House, and he will be even more effective in the Senate."

Kehoe, business manager of the approximately 2,000-member Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 322, said few in Congress could match Andrews' performance on many of the key issues affecting labor. He cited Andrews' leadership in legislation creating jobs and economic growth, as well as his unwavering support for fair salaries and benefits for workers. He also praised Andrews' efforts to ensure workers' rights to organize and to bargain for fair contracts. And he said Andrews has been a reliable ally in workers' efforts to fight free-trade agreements that send American jobs overseas.

"You name the issue, and Congressman has been on the side of working men and women in this country," Kehoe said.

Andrews said he was grateful for the endorsements and pledged his continuing commitment to the needs of working-class Americans. "Washington has a responsibility to do all that it can to make sure that hard-working Americans, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck, are not forced to decide between filling their tank with gasoline and buying groceries," Andrews said. "As your senator, I will help lead the fight for the economic fairness that all Americans deserve."

Andrews said he was excited both by the depth and the enthusiasm of labor support and other backing his campaign is receiving. "The expressions of support from labor, business and religious leaders, as well as elected officials and fellow Democrats all over New Jersey, is building tremendous momentum that will carry us to victory on June 3."