Published: July 01, 2008 12:57 am      

ELECTION 2008: Powers gets AFL-CIO nod, meets with labor leaders

AMHERST — Democratic congressional hopeful Jon Powers met with various labor union representatives at his Amherst campaign headquarters Monday.

The meeting emphasized an endorsement by the New York state AFL-CIO late last week.

The 2.5 million-member coalition decided to throw its weight behind Powers, one of four Democrats seeking the party’s nomination in a September primary, early. The decision is often reserved for conventions held in August.

AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes has cited support from numerous labor leaders within the district as a basis for the body’s endorsement.

New York’s organization represents about 111,000 members throughout the area. The district encompasses all or part of seven counties throughout Western New York, portions of Niagara and Erie counties, including Lockport are represented.

“I think people feel that we’re going to best represent the working men and women of this district,” Powers said.

The candidate, as well as aides and Teamsters Local 264 representative Richard Lipsitz discussed some of the issues most relevant to the endorsement.

Among them are:

• The Employee Free Choice Act, which aims to ease the process of unionization.

• Fair trade agreements and policies designed to promote domestic industry by “leveling the playing field.”

“When I talk to working men and women across the district they’re not looking for an advantage, they’re looking for a level playing field,” Powers said of the often controversial North American Free Trade Agreement.

• Opportunities for Western New York to become integral in developing, producing and implementing products and services capable of supporting “green” manufacturing and lessening dependence on fossil fuels.

Also, Powers said health care is a critical component in need of reform from a labor standpoint.

It’s all part of a broader regional labor and environmental plan that aides say expands as Powers makes the rounds, knocking on doors and soliciting feedback from potential constituents.

“We’ve got a crowded race and primary and Jon is the one with volunteers and boots on the ground,” Powers’ communications director Victoria Dillon said.

She said Monday was the last day of this fundraising quarter and that 75 percent of the campaign’s contributors donated $50 or less. Complete figures were not available.

“There aren’t a lot of members who are out knocking on doors. It really speaks to this hometown support — today was about organized labor coming out and saying ‘here’s our guy.’ ”

The spot was vacated by four-term incumbent Tom Reynolds this year, when he announced his retirement.

Also seeking the party’s nomination are three other Democrats: millionaire Akron industrialist Jack Davis, Buffalo environmental attorney Alice Kryzan and Erie County Legislator Kathy Konst. Clarence business executive Christopher Lee is running for the Republican line in the race.