Garcia wins backing of key union group over Emanuel
Chicago mayoral challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia won the endorsement of a major Illinois organized labor group on Saturday, backing that's likely to bring more campaign cash and ground troops.
Service Employee International Union state council leaders will formally announce the endorsement on Sunday, when they'll also talk details on campaign contributions and volunteers, said Jerry Morrison, spokesman for SEIU Local 1.
"We usually play to win in politics, and it will be significant," Morrison said.
Garcia, speaking at the downtown St. Patrick's Day parade, welcomed the support.
"I'm delighted to have their endorsement. It means a lot of people and hopefully additional resources. I'm very enthusiastic," he said.
The vote to endorse Garcia over Mayor Rahm Emanuel was not unanimous, with SEIU Local 73 leaders backing Emanuel, Morrison said. That local, which represent some city workers, backed Emanuel's plan to overhaul city worker and laborer pensions plans. The pension changes were enacted by the state, but now face legal challenges. Emanuel has described it as a road map for dealing with other underfunded city pension plans.
Matt Brandon, secretary treasurer of Local 73, said he urged the state council to remain neutral in the April 7 runoff, as it had done inGarcia wins backing of key union group over Emanuel - Chicago Tribune:
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