For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Evan Stavisky
Thursday, July 24, 2008                                                                           212-571-7717
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            Teachers Union Endorses Michael McMahon for Congress

 
Campaign Continues to Gain Momentum

 
July 8, 2008 – Randi Weingarten, President of the over 200,000 member United Federation of Teachers (UFT), announced the union's endorsement of Michael McMahon in the 13th Congressional District.

 
                The UFT represents over 12,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, nurses and other school related personal who live in the district. Their support is considered is one of the most prized union endorsements in the City. The union has pledged to conduct a comprehensive and aggressive member mobilization campaign to help elect McMahon.

                "Mike McMahon has demonstrated time and time again as an elected official that he is a champion for children and working people, and New York City's public educators want that kind of champion representing them in Congress," said Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers.

 
                "I am proud to receive the endorsement of our City's teachers and other school-related personnel. I believe that one of my most sacred responsibilities as an elected official and parent of school aged children is to ensure that our schools have the resources and support which they need to provide our children with the best possible education. I have and will continue to be a tireless advocate for our school system" said Michael McMahon.

 
 The endorsement is another sign of the growing support for the McMahon campaign. Just last month he earned a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's vaunted "Red to Blue" program, signaling that McMahon's campaign is a top national priority for the Democratic Party.  He was the only candidate from downstate New York included in the program. The "Red to Blue" program was a proven success in the 2006 cycle, raising nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns.  It highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.

 
A week after being included in the "Red to Blue" program, McMahon received an early endorsement of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL - CIO, although labor's endorsements for public office normally take place in August. Michael McMahon enjoys such overwhelming support of the local labor movement that the State Federation's executive board decided to vote earlier than usual.

 
The General Election will be held on November 4th.

 
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 -- Anthony HogrebeInterim Communications DirectorMike McMahon for Congress(732) 841-2823
-- Anthony HogrebeInterim Communications DirectorMike McMahon for Congress(732) 841-2823