California Assembly seat candidate Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has added some more labor unions to his list of endorsements. On Dec. 8, Williams announced two chapters of the Laborers International Union of North America, representing more than 2,200 workers in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, are now supporting his campaign. The LIUNA State Council represents more than 60,0000 workers statewide. “After taking a close look at the candidates in this race, it was easy to see that Das Williams has the vision and courage to take this district where it needs to go in the years to come,” David Valenzula, business manager and secretary-treasurer of LIUNA Local 585, said in a release to the media. “Das brings real experience and a tested record of getting results on issues across the board—from education to health care, from jobs to the environment, from public safety to the economy.” LIUNA State Council, Local 220 and Local 585, other labor organizations backing Williams for Assembly, including organizations such as the Santa Barbara Police Officer’s Association, two chapters of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 186. “I am so proud to have earned the laborers’ trust and support. I have spent my entire personal and political life fighting for the policies and principals we both share,” Williams responded in the release. “I look forward to continuing that fight in Sacramento.” Williams is running to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assembly member Pedro Nava in 2010.
This article appears in Dec 17-24, 2009.