Bryan Kennedy (D-WI-5) Recieves WI AFL-CIO Endorsement!

[eyesroll]

This is good news, folks -- Bryan's taking on Jim Sensenbrenner (he does have a Libertarian nutjob opponent in the primary, so this endorsement will help tremendously.

Milwaukee – The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO announced yesterday their endorsement of Bryan Kennedy for Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District.

In a statement released by the group, President David Newby said, “On the issues that matter most to our members, such as creating and keeping family-supporting jobs in Wisconsin; increasing access to quality, affordable health care and prescription drugs; and maintaining quality public education for our kids, we believe Bryan Kennedy is the best candidate to articulate that message.”

Last night Kennedy said that he was happy to accept the endorsement. “I am glad to be given the opportunity to work side by side with the AFL-CIO. We need to stand up for working families. After all, it is working families and small businesses that drive the American economy.”

Kennedy is an educator who lives in Glendale, is married and is the father of three small children. He has secured the endorsement of 19 labor organizations, over 25 elected officials and a group of predominantly Republican small business owners. He has launched the most aggressive campaign ever run against Representative Sensenbrenner.

http://www.bryankennedyforcongress.org/

[HereSince1628]

1. Kudos to all who are willing to take on Sensenbrenner

My gut feeling is that Sensenbrenner is almost unassailable in this strongly republican district...G.W. will come here and get a better reception than he did in 2003 at military bases.

Consequently, it takes no small amount of courage for a democrat to run very steeply uphill to the Hill.

[eyesroll]

2. I have it on good authority (someone who's on F. Jim's campaign list)

that Sensenbrenner's actually running a campaign this year, because he hasn't had to in previous years. (And, sure, a GOTV effort by Sensenbrenner helps Bush, too...)

A dollar spent here on a campaign is a dollar that can't be sent to a more competitive district.

And...you never know...Save American Manufacturing Now is a group of primarily Republican business owners/leaders and they endorsed Bryan...also, the district voted 52% for Herb Kohl, and 45% for Al Gore -- it's not quite as strongly Republican as a lot of people think. People are willing to cross party lines to vote for someone they like. (I did ask -- that reflects the current 5th CD, even though it didn't exist in 2000.)

Uphill, yes, but interesting nonetheless.

[RetroLounge]

3. I met Bryan at a Kerry Fundraiser

I think he's got a good, stong message, and came across as really someone I would like to vote "FOR" as opposed to just voting against Sensenbrenner. I'm in his district and asked for a lawn sign and bumper sticker, and will volunteer if I can.

RL

[eyesroll]

4. He's a good guy...

When Vince was running against him, we still both genuinely liked him (just thought he was a bit too moderate -- and he is more moderate than we are, but so's the district. He's more of an Edwards-style populist). We've actually become pretty friendly since he dropped out -- attended his Waukesha office opening last night and made fun of Sensenbrenner.

[RetroLounge]

6. I mentioned I knew you guys

and Bryan had nothing but good things to say about Vince, referred to you guys as his friends.

Like I said, he seems like a class act.

RL

[dragonlady]

5. Tonight in Glendale

Bryan is holding a town hall meeting tonight at the North Shore Library in Glendale at 7 p.m. The address is 6800 N. Port Washington.