Workers' Union Likes Giannoulias, Topinka

Topinka only Republican to get union's nod

The state’s largest union of public-service workers endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate, state representative Julie Hamos for Congress and Judy Baar Topinka for state comptroller, but made no endorsement for Illinois governor in Saturday's announcements.

AFSCME Council 31 claims some 100,000 active and retired members. The union made no primary endorsement for governor or lieutenant governor, and did not say why any of the candidates, Democratic or Republican, who are running -- including incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn -- failed to earn their nod.

In federal races, AFSCME endorsements include Giannoulias for U.S. Senate and Hamos for Congress.

"Alexi Giannoulias understands that Illinois families are struggling," AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said. "He knows we need a senator who will fight for jobs, health care and retirement security. He will work to rebuild our economy and make sure our prosperity is broadly shared."

Hamos, Bayer said, "is a serious and thoughtful legislator with a long record of taking on tough issues and finding common-sense solution to complex problems. She will be a voice for working families who need more representation in Congress."

Among statewide races, AFSCME endorsed treasurer candidates Rep. David Miller in the Democratic primary and Judy Baar Topinka in the Republican primary. Topinka was the only Republican who got an endorsement from AFSCME in any race. Former Rep. Robin Kelly was endorsed for comptroller in the Democratic primary.

The union did not endorse candidates in uncontested primaries.

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