Local 49 Enthusiastically Endorses Margaret Anderson Kelliher for Minnesota Governor

Click Here to See Margaret's Local 49 Endorsement

Kelliher has a proven track record of creating jobs, expanding health care and protecting middle-class Minnesotans

Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN – After a comprehensive interview and screening process, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 has endorsed Speaker of the House, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis)in Minnesota’s 2010 gubernatorial race.

“We need to get the economy working again in Minnesota. Margaret is a proven leader who has been fighting for the issues and values of our state’s working men and women for years,” said Local 49 business Manager Glen Johnson. “The transportation bill override was the largest job-creating bill in decades, and Margaret made it happen.”

Comprised of a wide variety of 49ers -- from rank-and-file members to elected union officers -- the endorsement committee conducted an exhaustive screening process that consisted of oral and written questions. All ten declared DFLers in the race participated. The committee sought a candidate who has the ability to put together a winning campaign and be an advocate for working families. Margaret Anderson Kelliher is that candidate.

“This next election for governor is crucial in shaping Minnesota’s future. Margaret has illustrated time and again she’s a fighter for middle-class Minnesotans,” said Tim Koester, an Operating Engineer and endorsement committee member. “She is one of us; she understands what middle-class families are going through.”

“We were in unanimous agreement that Margaret, by far, exhibited the experience, tenacity and leadership to fix our state’s budget problem and help turn our state’s economy around,” said Wendy Stuhr, a crane operator and endorsement committee member.