Hawaii AFL-CIO issues endorsement for Iwase
Hawaii's largest labor organization, the state AFL-CIO, is endorsing former Sens. Randy Iwase for governor and Malama Solomon for lieutenant governor.
Randy Perreira, AFL-CIO president, said the group of 71 affiliated unions would support the two Democrats over both challenger William Aila and Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. "It is our feeling that they are better in respecting our workers," Perreira said.
Adding that the unions were concerned when Lingle vetoed a series of bills addressing workers' compensation this year, Perreira called Lingle's actions "disappointing."
"Both Sens. Iwase and Solomon during their legislative careers were strong advocates for working families," Perreira said.
In response, Lingle said she could not be categorized as an anti-labor candidate because she won the endorsement this year of the Hawaii masons union and has been endorsed by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.
"I think some take the position that if you don't agree with them on all things, they are against you," Lingle said in a recent interview.
In the race for the 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House, former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono has picked up the endorsement of the Hawaii State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The council represents about 4,000 active and retired workers from various industries and businesses in Hawaii's aerospace-related companies.
"In this competitive race, we know Mazie will best promote the workers' rights and safety issues so important to our members," council representative Charlie Ng said in a statement released by Hirono's campaign.