Plumbers’ union endorses Vernon in 1st District bid for Congress

CEDAR RAPIDS - Monica Vernon has scored another labor union endorsement in her bid for the 2016 1st District Democratic nomination.

Vernon has won the endorsement of the Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs Local 125, which covers the 20-county 1st District that includes Dubuque, Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.

Business Manager Jerry Hobart called Vernon 'a strong advocate for hardworking Iowa families.”

The fitters local didn't endorse a candidate in 2014, but Hobart said he's been involved with Vernon on a number of projects so he's seen firsthand how hard the Cedar Rapids City Ccouncil member worked 'to bring good-paying jobs to northeast Iowa after the devastating 2008 flood.”

'We need Monica's strong work ethic and advocacy in Washington,” Hobart said. The union's national officials are planning to meet with Vernon, he added.

Labor union endorsements are coveted by Democratic candidates because they often come with financial support as well as 'shoe leather” support - door-knocking, phone banking and other get-out-the-vote efforts.

'These endorsements mean real people on the ground, in the field, going door-to-door, supporting Monica across the district,” Vernon campaign manager Michelle Gajewski. 'We're very proud of these endorsements, and the growing momentum of this grass roots campaign all across northeast Iowa.”

More than potential a financial contribution, Rick Moyle, executive director of the Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL-CIO, said a union endorsement send a message that a candidate has 'made a commitment to do what's right for all working families - union and non-union alike.”

In the five-way race for the nomination in 2014, it was former Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque who had the most labor endorsements - at least 18.

Vernon, who finished second to Murphy, had the backing of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council, which again is supporting her. Teamsters Local 238, which endorsed Murphy in the 2014 general election, has endorsed Vernon.

'We think she is the most viable candidate,” Teamsters business agent Jesse Case said. 'She has a proven track record of getting things done.”

The fitters aren't the only ones who sat out the 2014 primary race, but are getting involved. Attorney General Tom Miller, Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and 2nd District Rep. Dave Loebsack have endorsed Vernon after staying neutral last time.

Also Senate President Pam Jochum of Dubuque, who as Murphy's state senator and longtime colleague, endorsed him in 2014, this time is backing Vernon.

Murphy is running again, but has not announced any union endorsements.

'Pat's campaign began only a few weeks ago, so he is still having initial conversations with not only labor, but Democrats across the district,” a Murphy spokesman said

'However, his record on the issues that union members and middle class Iowans care about is unrivaled in this primary,” he continued. 'We expect the support of many union members as the campaign progresses. In the end, though, Iowans care about records more than endorsements and that's the metric candidates will be judged on. That's why Pat released his full voting and donor histories weeks ago and why he encourages his opponents to step up and do the same.”

Murphy, the spokesman said, 'was also proud to walk with Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 100G in an informational picket over the unfair negotiations of Penford and Ingredion Sept. 4.

Vernon also has joined the picket.

Case expects more unions will get involved in the primary and make the same choice as the Teamster.

'We think she has momentum and we'll see more endorsements,” Case said.