Union (UMW) Endorsement Heats Up PA Race (Murtha's seat)

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/04/23/union-endorsement-heats-up-pa-race/?test=latestnews

April 23, 2010 - 8:02 PM | by: Gretchen Gailey

Democratic congressional candidate Mark Critz has received the endorsement of the United Mine Workers of America. This plug for the candidate could give his campaign a needed boost after a recent Public Policy Poll has him down three points to his opponent, Republican Tim Burns.

In the Pennsylvania 12th District deep in the heart of the Appalachian mountains in western Pennsylvania, coal brings in the jobs and is home to two of the largest coal mines in the world. Even though it's a conservative region, the district has been a Democratic stronghold for 36 years under the leadership and of congressional titan, Democratic Congressman John Murtha, until his untimely death this past winter. Murtha's ability to bring in big money and big projects to the region, like the John Murtha Airport, won him re-election easily 19 times. Now with President Obama's approval rating at an all time low in the district and voters disgruntled over health care reform, an opportunity has opened up for Republicans to recapture the seat.

The endorsement from the miners union carries clout in the district, and for voters the economy and jobs is what matters most. The area is attempting to diversify in order to escape the economic downturn and loss of jobs, so they are turning to their roots, coal. And with "clean coal " technology at the heart of the race this endorsement is key.

"His (Critz) commitment to creating jobs and bringing economic development to our region is unparalleled," said Edward D. Yankovich, Jr., International District 2 Vice President of the UMWA.

FULL story at link.

We have yet to hear from them.