SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AFL-CIO ENDORSES ANDREWS FOR SENATE
Calls Andrews "True Champion of Working Families"

CHERRY HILL -- The Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO has unanimously endorsed U.S. Rep. Robert E. Andrews in his campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination. Andrews, applauded as "a true champion of working families," won the coveted endorsement Monday night.

The labor council represents 85,000 members working in retail, industrial trades, health care, service, the public sector and building trades. It covers the region that includes Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties. It is the latest of a series of major endorsements that Andrews has received from labor organizations across New Jersey, a further sign of the momentum he is gaining in his bid to win the June 3 primary.

"Rob Andrews has been fighting hard for working families in New Jersey for years," said Donald Norcross, president of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO. "From his start as a Camden County freeholder through his years in Congress, Rob has never strayed from his working-class values."

"Whether it's fighting for fair wages and benefits, affordable education and health care, jump-starting our economy or the right of workers to join a union, Rob has always been there for us," Norcross said. "His energy, determination and commitment to workers' rights make him the best candidate to represent our members and families in the United States Senate."

Andrews said he was "honored" to receive the endorsement and declared his intention to continue fighting for the economic benefits of working people as a U.S. senator.

"As elected officials, we have an obligation to make sure all Americans are paid a fair minimum wage and receive the benefits they deserve," Andrews said. "We also owe our hard-working taxpayers access to affordable health care and education. Washington must do all it can to see that Americans being hit hard by the skyrocketing costs of food, gasoline and other essentials in this ever-worsening economy are able to make ends meet."