New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate and current State Senator Barbara Buono has picked up an important union endorsement on March 1, 2013, from the Communications Workers of America (CWA), dozens of the unions locals voted to endorse Buono in her challenge to Incumbent Governor Chris Christie.
The endorsement does not come as a surprise since Christie has made taking on union’s part of his claim to fame and his platform. Even so, the unions carry a lot of votes with them and Christie will need to keep the independents in his pocket as well as his approval numbers which range in the 70’s as an average. Christie even polls well with democratic voters and women and last week was endorsed by Sea Bright Democratic Mayor Dina Long, much to the dismay of the state’s democratic hierarchy who have vowed political retribution on Long. They verbally admonished Long but probably did so to make other Shore democratic mayors who have worked closely with Christie in the wake of Hurricane Sandy think twice about following suit.
Last week, Buono was also endorsed by the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), the state association of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the members of Garden State Equality who describe themselves as the state’s largest civil rights organization of any kind, not just the state’s largest organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. (LGBT). Buono was also endorsed by Emily’s List who claims to be the largest resource for women in politics.
Combine those with this endorsement from the CWA, who represent more than 70,000 working families in New Jersey, including over 40,000 state workers, 15,000 county and municipal workers, and thousands of workers in the telecommunications, airlines, health care and direct care industries.
That’s a lot of potential votes in a state that historically leans democratic. Christie has to keep his popularity steady and not make any major blunders. The media has helped Christie build that popularity but the media also loves to build people up and delights in watching them fall. Call it job security for them; they make a living on drama and suspense.
“With one in ten residents out of a job, now more than ever, New Jersey needs leaders who will look out for working families and the middle class. Our Locals overwhelmingly voted to support Barbara Buono for Governor because she understands and is on the side of middle class families,” said Hetty Rosenstein, CWA N.J. Director. “Barbara Buono grew up in a working family and knows what it’s like for families to struggle to make ends meet. She’ll fight for all of New Jersey’s families, not just the 1%.”
In receiving the endorsement, Buono said “CWA is made up of hard working New Jerseyans and I am honored to receive their support. They have long defended the all American notion that if you work hard you should be able to take care of your family. As Governor, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them to ensure that is a reality in New Jersey."
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