Endorsements are adding up in congressional race

By Mark Ginocchio
Staff Writer

Published November 4 2006


They may be political adversaries, but U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and Democratic challenger Diane Farrell have both been endorsed by a variety of labor unions, emergency first responders and human rights groups.

Campaign officials for Shays, R-Bridgeport, said it is impressive that he obtained endorsements from groups representing a range of political interests.



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"This is a bipartisan group, and there are a lot that don't typically endorse Republican candidates," said Michael Sohn, Shays' campaign manager.

Labor groups such as the Connecticut Laborer's Political League, Service Employees International Union 32BJ and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades support Shays.

He also has been endorsed by many of Fairfield County's fire departments, including firefighters in Stamford, Norwalk and Fairfield.

Throughout the campaign, Shays has referred to his environmental and animal rights record, which includes his opposition to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and his support of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which requires pets to be considered in emergency preparedness plans.

As a result, Shays has been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Wild Political Action Committee, Friends of the Earth and the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Other groups endorsing Shays include the National Association of Community Health Centers; the gay and lesbian rights organization Human Rights Campaign; Republican Main Street Partnership; Business and Professional Women; National Federation of Independent Business; Women's Alliance for Israel PAC; Republican Majority for Choice; Independent Bankers Association; Veterans for Foreign Wars of the United States; the lower taxes, smaller government advocacy group NAW Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee; National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition; Americans for Legal Immigration PAC; National Rural Letter Carriers' Association; and the moderate Republicans support PAC, It's My Party Too.

Two years after coming within 4 percentage points of beating Shays, Farrell said she has drawn even more support.

"Whether it's out on the campaign trail or through the growing numbers of organizations that are supporting my campaign, the one thing that is abundantly clear is that people want change, and they want it now," Farrell said in a statement. "These endorsements reflect my commitment to the hard-working families in the 4th District, my desire to make health care affordable for all Americans and my demand for the very best for our first responders."

Farrell has been endorsed by many labor groups, including the Connecticut AFL-CIO; Communications Workers of America Local 1298; United Food and Commercial Workers; Connecticut Council of Police Unions; American Federation of Teachers; American Federation of State; County and Municipal Employees; National Association of Social Workers; Machinist Union; Plumbers and Pipefitters Union; United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers; Service Employees Independent Union; Transit Workers Union; Ironworkers Union; Sheet Metal Workers Union; and the Utility Workers Union of America. She also was endorsed by the Westport Fire Department, where she was first selectwoman for eight years.

Farrell's campaign touted the New York Times endorsement, particularly after the newspaper supported Shays in 2004. Other groups endorsing Farrell include the National Education Association; National Women's Political Caucus; NARAL Pro-Choice America; Women's Campaign Fund; pro-choice women's group, Emily's List; Connecticut Education Association; American Small Business League; National Organization for Women; and University Health Professionals.

Libertarian candidate Phil Maymin has not received any major endorsements, though he was not surprised.

"Libertarians oppose special interest groups," Maymin said. "Unions and other groups would want more regulations and bigger government."

The candidates also have attracted a number of celebrities to contribute to their campaigns. Farrell has received money from actor Paul Newman and singers Barbra Streisand and Don Henley, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles.

Shays has support from the first family of Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Vince and Linda McMahon.

Maymin's campaign has received a $2,100 boost from Peter Lewis, chairman of the Progressive Insurance Cos. and a frequent political contributor.

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