Northeast Pa. Teachers and Firefighters Endorse Specter

By ARLEN SPECTER FOR SENATE

Dunmore – Unions representing nearly 2,000 area firefighters and teachers endorsed Senator Arlen Specter today in northeast Pennsylvania.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association (NEPPFFA) represents more than 800 members in that part of the state and is squarely behind Senator Specter. Dave Gervasi, NEPPFFA President said, “Senator Specter has a long and outstanding history of supporting firefighters, labor, and working families in out state and nation. Senator Specter stands by us, and we will stand by you Senator for your re-election. You have been a long time protector of the protectors, and for that we proudly endorse your candidacy.”

Local #60 of the International Association of Firefighters of Scranton also endorsed Specter. Their president, David Schreiber, pointed to Specter’s work helping local first responders such as his 140 members.

Rosemary Boland, head of the Scranton Federation of Teachers, also praised Specter. “We ask all of our members to support the Senator because we know he supports us. I am so, so proud to represent the 900 members of my local and to be here today to support Senator Specter,” emphasized Boland.

Sen. Bob Casey attended the press conference and again urged Democrats to support Sen. Specter. “In the midst of a recession, it is essential that we have people in the Senate like Senator Specter who spend every day worrying about, working for, and fighting for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Casey.

Specter thanked the union leaders and Sen. Casey for their support. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for those warm words of appreciation. Throughout my career in the Senate I have supported labor’s cause; I voted consistently to raise the minimum wage, voted consistently to increase unemployment compensation, voted for Davis-Bacon, and worker safety,” said Specter. “Labor’s a key part in this election, both the primary and general, and I’m very proud to have labor support. I’m really very grateful to you for your support today.”

Unions across the state representing more than 130,000 members have endorsed Specter’s re-election; earlier this month the state Democratic Party backed Specter in a 77-23% vote.

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