AFL-CIO backing Lunsford, Labor supported foe in earlier race

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080318/NEWS01/803180434/1008/NEWS01

The Kentucky AFL-CIO yesterday endorsed Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Mitch McConnell.

"We think he's got the best chance to beat McConnell," said AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan. "It's important to focus on that goal. Mitch McConnell is not a friend of working families across Kentucky and across this country."

The endorsement marks the second major labor endorsement that Lunsford has received in the early stages of the campaign. That is in marked contrast to last year's race for governor, when some labor unions worked hard against him.

On Feb. 28, Change to Win, a coalition of seven unions, announced that it would back Lunsford even though it campaigned against him during last year's Democratic gubernatorial primary. The Laborers International Union, which is a member of Change to Win, said it hasn't yet made an endorsement in the race.

Lunsford welcomed yesterday's endorsement, which carries through to the general election.

"I'm proud to receive the support of another organization that fights for working families all across Kentucky," he said in a statement. "We share the common goals of reducing health-care costs, creating more jobs, and getting our economy back on track."

FULL story at link.