AFL-CIO throws weight behind a Democratic state Senate

The state AFL-CIO is backing Democratic candidates in nearly every contested seat for the state Senate.

Only 15 Republicans senators were endorsed on Tuesday by the political arm of the state federation, which has 2.5 million members. They backed 36 Democrats, including four running for open seats, and will review Republican Sen. Kemp Hannon’s district on Long Island following the Democratic primary.

“All of the candidates endorsed today understand the values and priorities of working men and women which is why we are committed to working hard to get them elected,” state AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said in a statement.

In the Capital Region, the AFL-CIO didn’t endorsed candidates in the race to replace Republican Sen. Kathy Marchione, which features Democrat Aaron Gladd and Republican Daphne Jordan, and the seat represented by Republican Sen. George Amedore, who is being challenged by Democrat Pat Strong. Both districts have been won by Republicans in recent years, but they’re expected to be competitive in November.

Read more: https://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/283740/afl-cio-throws-weight-behind-a-democratic-state-senate/