The endorsement means Ciresi and Al Franken can both claim AFSCME support as they seek the DFL nomination to run against Coleman. Last month, AFSCME Council 5, which represents 43,000 public and non-profit workers across the state, endorsed Franken. Council 65 represents nearly 13,000 workers in greater Minnesota, including employees in more than 70 counties.
Council 65 held a candidate forum, hosted by Local 2789 (Carver County) at the Chanhassen Public Library on Nov. 19. After nearly two hours of extensive questioning of the candidates, Ciresi "came out as the candidate who demonstrated the passion, enthusiasm and determination to wage the battle against a sitting incumbent and we believe, to prevail," the union said.
"It was clear to us that Mike Ciresi is the best candidate to beat Norm Coleman. He is the only candidate with the judgment and experience to win in November," said Council 65 Director Steve Preble. "Mike grew up in a working class family and has never forgotten his roots."
Council 65 Assistant Director Steve Giorgi said Ciresi "has a track record as a legal advocate to take on the tough battles, to work as hard as necessary to win the fight and he has a proven track record of delivering positive results for the working people of Minnesota."
Both Council 5 and Council 65 will be urging members to turn out for their endorsed candidates in the Feb. 5, 2008, party precinct caucuses. In addition to Ciresi and Franken, other candidates seeking the DFL endorsement are Jim Cohen and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
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The endorsement means Ciresi and Al Franken can both claim AFSCME support as they seek the DFL nomination to run against Coleman. Last month, AFSCME Council 5, which represents 43,000 public and non-profit workers across the state, endorsed Franken. Council 65 represents nearly 13,000 workers in greater Minnesota, including employees in more than 70 counties.
Council 65 held a candidate forum, hosted by Local 2789 (Carver County) at the Chanhassen Public Library on Nov. 19. After nearly two hours of extensive questioning of the candidates, Ciresi "came out as the candidate who demonstrated the passion, enthusiasm and determination to wage the battle against a sitting incumbent and we believe, to prevail," the union said.
"It was clear to us that Mike Ciresi is the best candidate to beat Norm Coleman. He is the only candidate with the judgment and experience to win in November," said Council 65 Director Steve Preble. "Mike grew up in a working class family and has never forgotten his roots."
Council 65 Assistant Director Steve Giorgi said Ciresi "has a track record as a legal advocate to take on the tough battles, to work as hard as necessary to win the fight and he has a proven track record of delivering positive results for the working people of Minnesota."
Both Council 5 and Council 65 will be urging members to turn out for their endorsed candidates in the Feb. 5, 2008, party precinct caucuses. In addition to Ciresi and Franken, other candidates seeking the DFL endorsement are Jim Cohen and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Related article
DFL Senate candidates voice support for worker rights