Endorsements

“Mike Capuano has been a strong supporter of public education for a long, long time. He understands the importance of working with teachers to ensure each and every child gets the quality education they need and deserve,” said Thomas Gosnell, President of AFT Massachusetts.

“It is vital that the voices of working men and women are heard in the Senate. I am certain the citizens of Massachusetts will be well served with Mike Capuano as their next Senator,” stated Local 3 President Martin Callaghan.

“Mike Capuano’s record in Washington is proof that he would represent the hard working individuals of the Commonwealth better than any other candidate,” stated Chris Snook, President of Local 2324.

“Whether it’s defending the prevailing wage, advocating for the Employee Free Choice Act or pushing for a broader, more effective federal stimulus package, your advocacy has been unfailingly powerful, direct and effective,” wrote Louis A. Mandarini, Jr., Business Manager for LIUNA Local 22.

“We believe Mike has the know-how and ability to best serve our state,” said Louis Rasetta, Local 4 Business Manager.  “Mike has a deep and abiding concern for the working men and women of our state.  We are certain that he will be a great U.S. Senator.”

“As a member of Congress, Mike Capuano has been there for working families and his voting record is proof,” stated John Flattery, President of the APWU Local 4553. “Over the years, he has voted for increasing the minimum wage, workplace safety, paycheck protection and now the Employee Free Choice Act. His votes on education and health care issues demonstrate his concern for the families of working men and women. Mike’s courageous vote against the war in Iraq has proven to be the right vote and it is just that type of backbone we need in the United States Senate.”

“Mike is a strong supporter of worker’s rights,” said Craig J. Lewis, President of MRLCA. “His experience as a five-term Mayor in the working class city of Somerville and his six terms as Congressman make him the best candidate to carry on the great work of Senator Kennedy.”

Citing Congressman Capuano’s “commitment to issues that affect all working men and women,” President James Connor offered Mike the Council’s emphatic endorsement. “It is our opinion that you are the most qualified to carry on Ted Kennedy’s mission to better the lives of the working men and women of the Commonwealth and the nation,” Connor stated in a letter to the Congressman.

“Mike Capuano has long been a champion of public education, and he will make a superb senator,” said MTA President Anne Wass. “He has a strong pro-education track record along with a deep understanding of the challenges facing urban public schools,” she continued, noting that Capuano was the mayor of Somerville for nine years before he was elected to Congress.

“Mike Capuano has a proven record of standing up for working women and men in Massachusetts,” explains the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 President/Business Agent Stephan MacDougall.

“Congressman Capuano is the only candidate in the race with a real record in Washington of fighting for working people. He has shown the courage and ability to do the right thing,” said NATCA incoming President Paul Rinaldi.

“Mike’s record shows a commitment to the issues facing our working families. He has proven he will fight for us in Washington on health care and a fair wage,” said Business Manager Marty Walsh of Laborers Local 223.

“Congressman Capuano has consistently and strongly stood up for our members and for all working families. He has an open-door policy,” said NAGE National President David J. Holway. “He has never turned his back on us and has been immediately responsive to our needs whenever we’ve called for help.”

“Mike has proven over the years that he is a true advocate of working men and women in the state of Massachusetts. He has always been and remains a voice for labor, and has supported our causes year after year,” said Timothy Dwyer, President of Local 301.

“Like the late and wonderful Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who stood with us and fought for us, Mike too, has been there for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security TSA Officers, said Local 2617 President AJ Castilla.  “We need his proven experience, his proven support, and his energy to make a difference on the floor of the U.S. Senate.”

The work of Congressman Capuano “to provide a better life for their members and their families has not gone unnoticed…The membership of Local 9158 proudly stands with you in your endeavor to become the junior Senator from Massachusetts,” stated SENA President John Zuccaro, Jr. 

“Mike Capuano has a strong record of support for firefighters and our families for more than two decades as a Mayor and Congressman. He has always put the needs of firefighters first to ensure we have the tools to do our job and we believe he is the best person to carry out the job,” stated PFFM President Robert B. McCarthy.

“While all the candidates bring some resources to this race, only one brings a proven record of accomplishment at the federal level on the most pressing issues facing the citizens of Massachusetts. Mike Capuano doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk,” said Brendan Keogh, an 11-year veteran telephone technician from Dedham.  IBEW’s Massachusetts telecom workers, are represented by the System T6 Council, which is comprised of seven IBEW local unions (2222, 2313, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2324 and 2325).

“Since we recognize and appreciate that you are truly a defender of and a dedicated worker for peace, social justice and equality for all working men and women, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3 Eastern Massachusetts strongly and proudly endorse your candidacy for United States Senate,” said Charles Raso, President, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3.

“Since first being elected to Congress, your record clearly illustrates your commitment to improving the lives of our members and their families. The SIU fully recognizes that you and you alone, are the one candidate in this race that understands the needs and concerns of the average citizen and has a plan to address them,” stated retiree Gerard Dhooge, Seafarers International Union.

“As the most experienced, progressive candidate for the United States Senate who has demonstrated support for a strong U.S. maritime industry, you receive our enthusiastic support and endorsement,” stated Don Keefe, National President of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association.

“As trade unionists, we are confident that upon your election to office you will be a strong advocate for matters important to labor and that you will work hard to protect the rights of all working men and women,” stated William McNamara, President, NEDMC. NEDMC represents 20 local unions affiliated with the International Longshoremen’s Association

“We respect your experience in the Congress, and the leadership role you have taken in the Democratic caucus. You know, and we know, where you stand on the issues of war and peace, the economy, social and environmental justice. You won’t need to take a poll to make up your mind, or spend critical years learning your way around,” stated Warren Pepicelli, New England Joint Board Manager and Executive Vice President of UNITE HERE.

“Congressman Capuano has a long record in the U.S. House of voting to support working families. We know that he will always listen to our concerns and fight for the issues that impact us on a daily basis. We are proud to support his candidacy,” stated John F. Murphy, Secretary-Treasurer for Teamsters Local 122 and International Vice President.

“Congressman Capuano has a proven record of serving the people of the 8th Massachusetts Congressional District. For over a decade he has gained the necessary experience in Washington D.C., to provide the citizens of Massachusetts a senator they can count on,” said Mark Govoni, Political Director UFCW Local 1445. Massachusetts UFCW locals include 328 (Dave Fleming, President), 791 (Russ Regan, President), 1445 (Richard Charette, President), and 1459 (Scott Macey, President).

“Mike is the type of fighter we need in the Congress to push for healthcare reform, education, new jobs at home, increased contracting opportunities for women and minorities and ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” wrote Stephanie E. Myers and Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., National Co-Chairs of Black Women for Obama for Change. “We encourage all voters — particularly African American voters and women — to support Mike Capuano, a tireless advocate for social and economic justice.”

“Mike is an exceptional advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice,” stated Debra Fastino, Director of Coalition for Social Justice, which is based in Fall River, Mass. “Mike has the ability to deliver on his promises and he is not afraid to take a stand on controversial issues. Mike is about action, not just words.”

“As a former mayor of Somerville and a sitting Congressman, Mike Capuano has the personal experience and knowledge to understand the issues facing the Massachusetts fire service,” said Kevin Robinson, Acting President of the Fire Chiefs Association. “Congressman Capuano has the qualifications to be the next Senator from Massachusetts and he will serve the Commonwealth well.”

“MLEV is proud to endorse Mike Capuano for U.S. Senate because he is a proven environmental leader who understands the need to leave our children a healthier world,” said MLEV Executive Director Lora Wondolowski.  “We are at a critical juncture on issues like global warming and green energy and we need leaders like Mike in the Senate who will fight for our future.”

“Going back to his days as mayor of Somerville, Mike Capuano has been a friend to retirees. He has consistently been a strong voice on issues important to seniors, whether it be health care, Social Security or affordable housing,” said Association President Ralph White. “We were one of the first organizations to endorse his candidacy for Congress in 1998, and we have never regretted our decision.”

“Mike Capuano’s decision to support legislation for improving the treatment of veterans with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, and his deep understanding of the need for providing and guaranteeing full health coverage for National Guard and Reserve personnel, demonstrate that he is a candidate who has the character and courage to do what is right for those in service to our country. We feel that veterans, active duty, military families, and in fact, all people of Massachusetts will be well-served with Mike Capuano as their senator by ensuring that America remains strong in national defense and in fighting terrorism,” stated VMFP President Tom Howe.