Vernon, Murphy score union endorsements

DES MOINES - Candidates in Iowa' U.S. House 1st District Democratic primary race have announced new endorsements.

Pat Murphy of Dubuque has received the backing of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Monica Vernon of Cedar Rapids was endorsed by United Steelworkers.

The Aerospace Workers' endorsement came after the Committee on Political Education (C.O.P.E.) met Saturday in Cedar Rapids without endorsing either candidate. That permits individual unions to issue individual endorsements.

'Pat has worked tirelessly fighting alongside labor to help ensure better lives for not just union members, but for working families in all walks of life; and, he has the record to show it,” Iowa State Council of Machinists President John Herrig said in endorsing Murphy.

Steelworkers District 11 Director Emil Ramirez said the union 'couldn't be more confident that she is going to be the best person to stand and fight with us and for us.”

The winner of the June 7 primary will face Republican Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque.